Clare Fm - Podcasts

An endangered sea turtle — thought to have survived a shark attack and a 5,000km Atlantic drift — will be flown home next week by Aer Lingus to a newly discovered nesting beach for her species off west Africa. The tiny tropical turtle, discovered shivering on a Clare beach during the Christmas holidays, is now thriving after being nursed back to health in Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium for the past six months. Diagnosed with a respiratory condition and meningitis, the turtle — christened Solstice — was near death when found on Quilty beach, covered in seaweed and barely able to lift her head. To discuss more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin Flannery, Marine biologist and Director of Dingle Oceanworld.

Yesterday marked the start of National Volunteering Week. Each year across Ireland, National Volunteering Week includes a range of events, stories and videos that showcase all that is great about volunteering. The theme for this year’s event is 'Building Community Together!' To find out more Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat White, Director Samaritans Ennis and Clare and Samaritan Volunteers, Mary Whittaker and Colm O'Brien.

The Government is looking into the possibility of a State-led savings scheme to help finance housebuilding across the country. However, James Browne said it would not provide the level of finance to meet the amount of private money needed for housing. Buying a home, or saving a deposit for one is seemingly out of reach for the average Clare household due to the high cost of rent and rising cost of living. For more on this Alan Morrissey was joined by Timmy Dooley, Clare Fianna Fáil Minister of State and Donna McGettigan Clare Sinn Féin TD.

A Clare TD claims it's "not possible" for Gardaí in this county to police drug-related crime due to insufficient resources. Responding to a parliamentary question from Bodyke Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney, the Justice Minister has confirmed there are just 15 Gardaí and three sergeants currently attached to the Clare Tipperary Garda Division's Drugs Unit. He's also revealed that a revamp of the Garda National Immigration Bureau's facilities in the arrivals hall of Shannon Airport will be completed in 2027. Deputy Cooney believes recruitment must be ramped up in order to prevent further "misery" being inflicted on families by the illegal drug trade.

A West Clare childcare provider says it may have to hire extra staff if a planned expansion of its services gets the green light. KCD Playschool, which is located in St Michael's Community Centre in Kilmihil is in the process of seeking planning permission to allow is to offer a before school breakfast club in addition to its daytime services. Kilmihil Community Development, which runs the playschool, is holding its AGM at 8pm tonight in the community centre where it's understood the future of the service will be a topic of discussion. Chairperson of Kilmihil Community Development, Martin Keane, says adding new staff members to its roster is one avenue they're considering.

It's claimed some landlords are taking advantage of students' need for accommodation in Clare to drive up rent prices for larger dwellings. The latest Daft.ie report indicates rent prices for new tenants are up 10.4% compared to 2024, while since 2020 the average price of rent in the county has increased a staggering 70%. Five bed homes saw the largest increase compared to the start of last year, while on average the rent for these properties have increased by €633 in the last five years. Author of the report, economist Ronan Lyons, has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady, students are jumping to the top of the rental market as they can offer larger monthly contributions than families.

It's feared no part of Clare is safe from the threat of fire over the coming days as the hot spell is expected to continue. A high risk fire warning issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine expired at midday but experts are warning there remains a particular danger on bog and mountain land. Over 3,000 hectares of land have been affected by fire so far this year and Clare County Fire and Rescue Service are advising people to report any sightings of smoke or suspicious activity immediately. Clare's Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer Colum Frawley has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons says there's a risk to land and property throughout the county.

Clare 1-16 Down 3-27 (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg). Avenue United 2 Bridge United 0 (Sunday, Roslevan). and more!

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan. This week, Tom gave listeners advice on plants to grow in shaded Areas. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

On Monday's Morning Focus Alan was joined by Cathal Joyce. Cathal, who's visually impaired is taking part in a fundraising cycle for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The cycle, which sees participants travelling from Mizen Head in Cork to Donegal’s Malin Head is currently underway. The cyclists will be spending tonight in County Clare.

This week we begin a new series of ‘Ours To Protect’ which will focus on raising awareness of Climate Change and Climate Action in Clare and beyond. Today Pat Flynn looks ahead to Biodiversity Week 2025.

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan paid a visit to Clare last Friday. During his trip, Minister Moynihan visited schools in Killaloe, Shannon and Ennis. As part of the stop in St. Anne's in the county town, an extensive meeting was held between the minister, the school's administration and this county's TDs. Principal, Rose Marie Flanagan outlined the reason behind the visit and the details of the meeting to Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady.

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to William Cahir of Cahir & Co Solicitors, Ennis in our weekly legal slot. This week, William spoke about the Injuries Resolution Board, Ireland’s independent State Body which resolves personal injury claims. If you have a legal question for Cahir & Co. Solicitors, email us on focus@clare.fm

Today marks the start of National Water Safety Awareness Week. Water Safety Ireland invites you to a Hold Hands event in the Ennis Library this Thursday at 11am. The Hold Hands event is described as a fun and engaging session designed to help parents, guardians, and young children learn about staying safe around water. To find out more Alan Morrissey is joined by Paul McGowan, Marketing Assistant with Water Safety Ireland. Photo (c) Water Safety Ireland

The next Celtic Waves Novice Swimming Gala is fast approaching. Shannon Leisure Centre is the venue for the gala, which will take place on the 24th of May. The event looks to hold various races for non competitive young swimmers in efforts to enhance their swimming skills and to give them a taste of competitive swimming. To discuss further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Swimming Coach, Elaine Barry. Photo (c) Celtic Waves

Today is World IBD Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day. World IBD Day takes place on the 19th of May each year and unites people worldwide in their fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. There are approximately 40,000 people in Ireland living with inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. For more on this Alan Morrissey was joined by Sarah O’Connor, a Crusheen native who has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Photo (c): Red Lion Group

Tulla Recycling Centre has been experiencing issues regarding waste disposal. Rubbish is being thrown onto the ground beside the bins rather than in them, this has been reoccurring 1-2 times a week. Anger is being expressed over the incorrect disposal of waste at Tulla Recycling Centre by the local community. To find out more Alan was joined by Tim Humphries of Tulla Tidy Towns and Maghera Fianna Fail Councillor Pat Hayes. Photo (c) Facebook Tulla Community And News

It's claimed the increased cost of implementing the wastewater treatment schemes in Broadford and Cooraclare is no excuse not to deliver the projects on time. At this month's meeting of Clare County Council, Doonbeg Fianna Fáil councillor, Rita McInerney, requested an update on the current status and progress of the schemes which were announced in December of 2023. In response, Clare County Council says the projects' estimated delivery remains between three and five years, and additional funding at government level should be sought. Councillor McInerney says the projects have been committed to and must be delivered with haste.

It's hoped staffing deficiencies in special education settings in Clare will begin to be addressed following a ministerial visit. As part of his visit to Clare, Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, has met with management of St Anne's School in Ennis. Concerns around the lack of therapists and a general shortfall in staffing levels were highlighted over the course of the extensive meeting. Principal of St Anne's, Rose-Marie Flanagan, says children's needs aren't being met.

Clare manager Peter Keane claims his side's slow start was the reason behind their defeat in Round 1 of the All Ireland Senior Football Championship group stage. The Banner have still yet to break their duck in the reformed format, with Down leaving Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg with a 3-27 to 1-16 win yesterday. The result puts Clare on the back foot as they look to progress from the group ahead of a difficult trip to Clones to face Monaghan for their round 2 clash. Keane says his side never got up to the pitch of the game against their northern opponents.