In the wake of Storm Desmond, and with rising levels of discharge from Parteen Weir, flooding began to worsen in south-east Clare. Morning Focus heard from Springfield resident, Geraldine Quinlivan; Hugh McGrath, Area Engineer for the Killaloe Municipal District; Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer with Clare County Council; and Councillor
This week, Fianna Fail proposed a novel penalty points 'buy back’ scheme. The initiative would mean motorists could have penalty points wiped from their licence if they undertake a special refresher course. The opposition party is expected to launch the plan as part of its election manifesto. Drivers who notch up more than six penalty points would be able to do a day long course which the motorist would pay for themselves. If they complete it successfully, they could have as many as three points expunged. Deputy Timmy Dooley FF Spokesperson on Transport gave Gavin more details of the proposal.
We also heard that Clare hauliers are concerned at plans to re-introduce passport controls. Proposals to re-introduce passport controls at all European borders are still being considered as a response to the increased threat of terrorist attacks in the continent, and concerns over the migrant crisis. Knock-on delays are a huge source of frustration for the haulage industry as any additional delays at passport controls are logged by tacographs, which record and limit the amount of time a driver can spend behind the wheel. Eoin Gavin of Eoin Gavin Transport, Bunratty, told Gavin of the industry’s concerns.
With the issue of climate change taking centre stage at the COP21 summit in Paris, Gavin spoke to ‘eco-theologian’ Fr Sean McDonagh. Fr Sean, who is also a Columban missionary, believes that this is a crucially significant time for climate change and the future of the planet. He spoke to Gavin ahead of his talk entitled ‘Climate Change and Laudato Si’ at Mary I, Limerick.
Clare artist Michael Hanrahan joined Gavin in studio ahead of a new role with Cunard Cruises. Michael will be sharing his painting skills and passion aboard one of the world's most luxurious cruise liners over the spring of 2016. As art lecturer with Cunard International, Michael will travel to exotic destinations including Cape Town and Sydney.
The ‘Mercy on the Mall’ initiative involved confessions being heard at the Skycourt Shopping Centre in Shannon. Sixteen priests were on hand to offer confessions on December 8, traditionally one of the busiest shopping days ahead of Christmas. The priests were available at four improvised confession 'boxes' around the centre, but they also went on 'walk around' approaching shoppers and offering a listening ear. Shannon’s Parish Priest Fr Tom Ryan told Gavin the initiative was in response to Pope Francis’ call to priests to go out to the market place and proclaim the Gospel”.
Popular comedienne Katherine Lynch joined Gavin ahead of her starring role in ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’ at glor, Ennis.
The Blazing Saddles 24-Hour Cycle was an innovative event to raise funds for mental health services and took place in Ennis. Just ahead of the event, Clare FM’s Siofra Mulqueen spoke to Rob O'Neill and his team about their 'stationary' cycle in aid of The Samaritans, Clarecare, Clare Bereavement Support and Clare Mental Health Services.
Lecturer and author Carina Ginty told Gavin about her new children’s character Captain Cillian and his adventures in County Clare.
Celebrity GP, Dr Pixie McKenna was in Lisdoonvarna for the matchmaking festival. She spoke to Gavin about her TV series, ‘You Should Really See A Doctor’.
The show closed with a beautiful performance from Killaloe native Synead Toomey who was chosen to busk with Gavin James. She performed a track called 'Youth' by Daughter.
