The show opened this morning with more details from the fatal crash near Doolin last night. A man died and three otherswere injured following a road traffic collision in North Clare. The crash, involving a motorbike and car, occurred at around 4:45 on the R478 Coast Road between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. A 35-year old man, who was the front seat passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has been taken to Limerick. The male driver and female passenger in the car, who are both in their 30s, were injured and taken to hospital in Galway and Limerick with injuries which are described as non-life threatening. The motorcyclist was taken to University Hospital Limerick with serious injuries. We heard from Garda Martin McGonnell who spoke to Gavin just before the show began.
Next we heard from the Construction Industry Federation who have called on the new Government to significantly increase the public capital programme to begin to fast-track essential transport, water and flood defence projects that have stalled. The agency says that investment in flood defences for communities along the River Shannon must be a priority and should begin immediately. While the CIF notes that Ireland has jumped to seventh in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook rankings (published yesterday, May 31), it also points out that we rank 40th in terms of general infrastructure. Conor O'Connell, Southern Regional Director of the Construction Industry Federation was on the line.
170 new jobs were created by businesses supported by Clare's Local Enterprise Office last year. The offices, or L-E-O's, are supported by Councils and helped in the creation of over 3,500 net new jobs in 2015. New figures compiled by Enterprise Ireland show that overall, 170 full and part time jobs were created in Clare last year. But when job losses are taken into consideration, the overall number of new jobs here last year amounted to 111. Padraic McElwee Head of Enterprise, Clare LEO was in studio to tell us more.
With forecasts of continued dry and warm weather over the coming days and the June Bank Holiday Weekend, members of the public are being urged to be extra vigilant when participating in water-based activities. The ongoing good weather has seen a significant increase in the number of people taking to Clare's waterways on leisure crafts and boats, as well as to the water at bathing locations throughout the County. Clare McGrath, Water Safety Development Officer with Clare County Council is asking people to swim only in lifeguarded areas denoted by the lifeguard flags (red over yellow flags). Members of the public are also requested to report any damaged, stolen, missing or retrieved ringbuoys via www.ringbuoys.ie, or by contacting Claire McGrath on 065-6846470. Claire McGrath, Water Safety Development Officer at Clare County Council was in studio with advice for staying safe in and around the water.
Then we heard about Clare Youth Service Summer Camps. This July, Clare Youth Service are running Summer Camps in Ennis and Shannon offering active and creative fun to young people aged 7 to 12 years. The camps have been running every summer for over 30 years. They offer children an opportunity to make new friends and to take part in a range of activities including: art, games, dancing, sports, day trips and more. Thomas O'Hara from Clare Youth Service came in to tell Gavin more. Camps will cost €30 per child, with a family discount available. The camps also offer leadership opportunities and skills development to volunteer’s age 15-18 years.
Ennis Summer Camp details: Running Monday to Friday, July 11-15 from 2-6pm each day for 7-12 years olds in The Junction Youth and Community Building, Cloughleigh Road, Ennis.
Shannon Summer Camp details: Running Monday July 18 to Friday 22 from 12-4pm each day for 7-12 years olds in Rineanna Hall, Rineanna View, Shannon.
A Clare company has scooped a prestigious 'start-up of the year' award in a competition sponsored by Bank of Ireland. The awards recognise innovative, successful and aspirational Irish start-up companies who have launched their businesses in the last three years. UJET, based in Shannon, scooped the award for Best Emerging Start-up on the night. The company which specialises in aircraft interior refurbishment is headed by Managing Director Aidan O'Leary and he joined Gavin in studio.
When we go through tough times, little things like talking about our problems, getting regular exercise, drinking less alcohol and being involved in activities we enjoy can make a big difference to how we feel. Find the little things that work for you at yourmentalhealth.ie Clare FM heard from Sile Seoighe who spoke to Caroline McGuigan CEO of Suicide or Survive.
Then we heard about the Clarecastle fundraiser for the District Day Care Centre. The annual 10K road race and 5k walk, run or jog in support of the District Day Care Centre Clarecastle , takes place at 11am this Saturday June 4. Registration takes place on Friday June 3 from 6.30 to 9pm at the Daycare Centre and on Saturday, June 4, 9-10.30am in the Hall. Mary Morrissey from Clarecastle Daycare Centre was in studio and she told Gavin about the importance of the event to the centre.
Earlier this month, students from across Galway, Mayo and Clare made their way to GMIT, Galway for the regional SciFest 2016 event. The competition saw more than 200 students from secondary schools present over 80 science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects to a panel of judges. Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna were well represented, taking home two awards, including the top prize. Clare FM's Cian Kearns visited the school and spoke with the winning competitors about their projects.
If you love to sing a tune then Annascaul is the place to be this bank holiday weekend. The Annascaul Singing Club is celebrating its first anniversary with an open invitation for singers and wannabe singers to join them for a weekend of song. There'll be performances and workshops over the weekend with advice from professional singers and musicians. On the line to tell me more is Bert McCann. See https://www.facebook.com/AnnascaulSingingClub/ for more details.
Finally today we heard about the Mountshannon Arts Festival. This bank holiday weekend sees the return of the Festival. Starting with a surprise mystery guest session tonight (1st June), there'll be music, theatre and art all weekend. Gavin was joined on the line by the event organiser Anne Benham. The festival will also see the début of a new group boasting a wide range of musical experience. Paul Mahoney (vocals and guitar), Penelope Easton (vocals) andAdam Rowatt (bass) were in studio and played a few tunes.
