Clare Fm - Podcasts

A Clare haulier claims overgrown hedges represent an "ongoing battle" for people in his industry. The Irish Road Haulage Association says the average medium-sized haulier is losing two mirrors a week on their truck fleet at a cost of €1,000 due to damage caused by hedgerows. A survey of 620 professional heavy goods vehicle drivers conducted last year by the RSA found 75% reported overgrown vegetation to be challenging while driving. Ennis-based former IRHA President Eugene Drennan insists inadequate maintenance can pose serious road safety risk.

Inagh-Kilnamona And Clonlara Looking Forward To WillWeGo.com Clare Cup Final

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 23ú lá de mí an Mheithimh, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1978 bhí na mná a bhí ag obair don stát trí chéile de bharr gur dhiúltaigh an rialtas chun an pá a bheith mar an gcéanna leis na fir. I 1989 bhí an cheannaire de na daonlathaí Desmond O Malley chun a bheith mar an bróicéir cumhachta den Dáil nua nuair a dhiúltaigh an Taoiseach an tairiscint a thug Fine Gael. I 1978 dá mbeadh Aerfort na Sionainne chun a sprioc a shroich don deireadh an bhliain, b'éigean dóibh níos mó daoine chun teacht chuig an aerfort, níos mó mar is gnách. I 2000 tháinig Aire Fiontraíocht Phoiblí Mary O Rourke amach mar an nasc deireanach chun gás nádúrtha a thabhairt chuig an chontae. Sin Bryan Adams le Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1995 Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1990 fuair Elton John a chéad uimhir a haon aonair sa Bhreatain lena hamhrán Sacrafice/Healing Hands tar éis a fuair sé níos mó ná 50 amhráin ar na cair

It's claimed the decline in commuter activity in the aftermath of Covid-19 has contributed to the sharp increase in house prices in Clare. According to the latest Daft.ie report, the average cost of a home in the county now stands at just over €277,000 off the back of 10% increases seen in each of the last two years. While since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, house prices in the county have risen almost 50% from just under €187,000. Economist at Trinity College and author of the report, Ronan Lyons has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that the culture of working from home has led to increased prices in counties bordering large cities.

A new study from the ESRI has found that while digital technology offers many benefits, it also presents growing challenges for children's wellbeing — and for parents trying to keep them safe online. The research highlights the need for coordinated efforts from parents, schools, tech companies and policymakers to address risks like overuse, harmful content, and the impact of social media and gaming. The report warns that relying too heavily on technical controls may not be enough — and that parents need better support, guidance and evidence-based solutions. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Clarke Browne, Munster Business (based in Shannon).

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

As Ireland’s population over 65 is set to double by 2050, the importance of promoting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in later life has never been greater. Clare’s own Age Friendly Ambassador, musician Mike Hanrahan of Stockton’s Wing, has joined voices from across the country in calling for a renewed focus on ageing well as part of Age Friendly Ireland’s Ambassadors’ Day. New insights from the group show that nearly 80% of older adults fear cognitive or mental decline most, but there is growing hope in the commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and active ageing experience for all. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mike Hanrahan, who Leads the Call on Ageing Well in Clare.

Coal has been burnt at Moneypoint Power Station for the final time. After 40 years of the practice, the West Clare facility has reached a significant milestone in its journey towards being a renewable energy hub with the total cessation of coal generation at the site. With its 17-megawatt onshore wind farm now being its primary source of energy, the station will act as a backup generator to the national grid until 2029 while also progressing plans for Green Atlantic at Moneypoint - a renewable energy project utilising the site's deep-water port as well as other elements of its infrastructure. Clare FM's Seán Lyons headed west to Moneypoint, where he spoke with ESB Chief Executive Paddy Hayes. PHOTO CREDIT: ESB Archives

On Monday’s Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art’s Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week’s live events for entertainment lovers in the Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about Drama in Kilkee, the Vadaleur Festival, Riches of Clare Concerts in Ennis and much more.

It’s a special milestone for Cahercalla as they celebrate 30 years of providing care and support to the community. To find out what’s in-store, on Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Caroline McMahon, Activities Manager at Cahercalla.

It’s been 10 years since the Marriage Equality Referendum made history in Ireland. But what has changed and what still needs to be done? Quare Clare LGBTQIA+ Support and Social Group are inviting the public to join them for a morning of celebration, reflection, and discussion on Tuesday, June 24th (10.30 am – 1pm) at Ennis Library. The event features a panel of LGBTQIA+ voices from County Clare, chaired by Dr Anne Mulhall of UCD, and a special presentation from Bulelani Mfaco on global LGBTQIA+ rights and the ongoing challenges for migrants and others whose needs remain unmet. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sarah Clancy from the Clare Public Participation Network.

The Irish Senior Women’s Dragon Boat Team is preparing to represent Ireland on the world stage this July at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Germany. A self-funded team of twelve athletes from across the country, they are training hard and fundraising to make their dream a reality. To discuss the journey and the growing sport of dragon boating in Ireland, Alan Morrissey was joined by Emily Walsh, team member from Killaloe. You can support the Irish Women's Dragon Boat Team and learn more about them in the links below: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/DragonBoatIreland https://www.shannondragons.ie/ https://www.dragonboat.ie/

Questions are being raised over the Ennis Draft Local Transport Plan. The aim of the Plan is to guide future investment in infrastructure in Ennis and its surrounding areas, and optimise the economic, social and health opportunities of transport in the County Town for at least the next 15 years. Among the proposals is a phased 15-year plan that envisages having pedestrian priority on O’Connell Street, Abbey Street, Salthouse Lane and sections of Bank Place and Francis Street by 2040, meaning motor traffic would be restricted for certain hours. However, the Fianna Fáil Councillor, Tom O’Callaghan is among those with a number of concerns in relation to the Ennis Draft Local Transport Plan. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Charlie McEnery of Charlie McEnery Motor Services in Ennis, who has concerns as to how the proposed one-way system on Mill Road may impact his business and the Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan.

Developing a solid public transport link from Sixmilebridge Train Station to Shannon Airport has been branded a top priority by the new Chair of the Shannon Municipal District. Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe has been officially elected Cathaoirleach of the MD for the third time in his political career, with Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley to serve as Leas Cathaoirleach. The construction of a rail spur from Sixmilebridge to Shannon Airport has been targeted for 2030 under the Strategic All-Island Rail Review. However Councillor Crowe believes a direct bus link can and should be achieved in the interim.

Clare's Minister of State claims future planned offshore windfarms along the county's coast will have a greater chance of coming to fruition than those proposed to date. It follows the recent decision of Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta not to proceed with its 400-megawatt Sceirdre Rocks Windfarm due to "scructural and technical challenges" identified during site investigation work. A national Designated Marine Area Plan, or D-MAP, is currently in the works, with sites off Clare's coast suited to offshore development to be identified by the end of 2027. Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy, Timmy Dooley, says once the D-MAP is in place, companies can put forward more informed proposals.

Clare Camogie Manager John Carmody After Cork Loss

The number of homes granted planning permission in Clare has fallen by more than a quarter since last year. New CSO data shows the local authority approved the construction of 91 properties between January and March, down from 127 between October and December. Of the homes giving the green light here this year, 62% were one-off homes. Kilmurry McMahon based Aontú representative June Dillon believes a planning restriction preventing builds on national secondary roads is holding progress back and needs to be reversed.

Artists in Clare are said to be at risk of deprivation unless a Government initiative is extended indefinitely. The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport has announced a six-month extension to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, with proposals for a successor scheme to be included in Budget 2026. The scheme currently provides income support of €325 a week to 53 Clare-based artists. Ennistymon-based artist and member of the National Campaign for the Arts Steering Committee, Maeve Stone, says those currently in receipt of the scheme would struggle to cover the basic if it's discontinued.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for Sunday 22nd June 2025

Stephen Fletcher presents Beyond Belief for Sunday 22nd June 2025. He has an interview with Revd Michael Mulqueen who was recentlt ordained Deacon in St Brendan's Cathedral in Clonfert. He and Fr Gerry Kenny also enjoy a coffee and catchup and reflect on the music of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.