A local Christmas economic boom and changes to government supports for Ukrainian refugees have been identified as the major factors behind a significant reduction to Clare's live register.The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Clare has fallen by 17% in the past twelve months, according to the latest CSO figures.North Clare saw the b…

An interim report on HIQA's review examining the case for a second emergency department in the Midwest is expected within the next three to four weeks.Public consultation opened last month on the independent statutory review for which the ultimate findings are due this summer.It comes as overcrowding has spiralled once again at University Hospital …

Its claimed that ongoing geopolitical conflicts has contributed to the rise in the number of people using solar energy in Clare.New data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland show a 21% increase last year in solar panel installations with grant support while 948 installations were completed across the county in 2024.Gas prices have doubl…

The renowned ENGINE Short Film Scheme is back for a third edition. The call is open for emerging filmmakers based in Clare, Tipperary, or Limerick to join the training programme, which will commission up to six new short films in the region in 2025. The ambitious short film training and production scheme has seen commissioned films screened globall…

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 extending your stock of garden shrubs for free, with hardwood cuttings.If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.…

To discuss the latest in the entertainment world, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Colum McGrath, on Monday’s Morning Focus.This week, Colum told us about the wildfires in LA, and the new Robbie Williams film "A Better Man".Oleh Clare FM

Women across County Clare are expressing frustration as they continue to face monthly costs of €30-€70 for prescribed hormone replacement therapy.Last November, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said legislation had been passed to allow the introduction of the measure in January of this year. However, the scheme is not yet operational, with no …

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to William Cahir of Cahir & Co. Solicitors, Ennis, in our weekly legal slot.This week, William gave us some legal advice for the new year.If you have a legal question for Cahir & Co. Solicitors, email us at focus@clare.fmOleh Clare FM

The Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe is the venue for an upcoming event aimed at women, called Nourish and Flourish. Nourish and Flourish, which is described as an “elegant afternoon,” is in support of Scariff Community College’s Astro Development. A wonderful afternoon of style, fun, and community is promised on February 1st. For more on this, Alan Morr…

The Sweeney Library in Kilkee will be hosting a forthcoming talk by Joe Aston. The talk will take place at 7:30 pm on the 15th of JanuaryJoe will be giving away copies of his novel ‘Wavedancing’ on the night. To learn more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by author, Joe Aston.Photo (c): Clare FM…

The Dromindoora Annual Fun Run/Walk will take place later this month. The event is held in memory of Ciara Clancy and Eimear Noonan. It will happen on Sunday, the 19th of January. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by former principal of Dromindoora National School and Chairperson of the board of management, Mary Noonan. Participant…

Owners of thatched buildings in Clare are being urged to avail of a new government maintenance grant.Funding of up to €20,000 is available for domestic and commercial structures built before 1970.A past survey by Clare County Council identified 143 thatched buildings countywide, with prominent examples at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and Doolin's …

It's claimed the latest government fuel hikes are unfairly penalising families in rural Clare. Since January 1st, the price of Petrol and Diesel has risen by 2 cent per litre, due to mandated increases in biofuel proportions at the pump.It's the fourth hike in the last twelve months, following excise duty and carbon tax measures, and the AA now est…

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn chats with artist Kevin McNamara, originally from Dublin but living for many years in North Clare.Kevin’s work includes a wide range of subjects including animation movie productions and he has worked with several companies including Disney.https://kevinmcnamara.us/…

An Ennis garage owner says motorists may want to consider changing the type of tyres they put on their vehicle if cold conditions persist.The majority of cars in Ireland are fitted with summer tyres which have low rolling resistance, leading to long brake distances on ice and snow.The most common cause of NCT failure nationwide last year was defect…

Coming up on the show, we will hear from the Young Hurler of the Year as Adam Hogan looks ahead to the start of the Fitzgibbon Cup campaign and a broader look ahead to Clare's League and All Ireland defenceWe will also hear from chair of Clare GAA Kieran Keating as Dromoland Castle plays host to the All Ireland winning banquet this weekend.Another …

The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi-detached home in Clare is forecast to rise by 6% this year. It's one of the findings contained in Real Estate Alliance's national survey which looks at the sale price of Ireland's typical stock home to give an accurate picture of the property market nationwide. As of December 2024, a three-bed sem…

A Clare abuse survivor is calling for a dedicated emergency service to be established for victims of domestic violence. It follows a marked increase in reports of domestic, sexual and gender based violence during the adverse weather conditions and Christmas period. In 2023 alone, Gardaí were alerted to over 2,400 call-outs in the Clare-Tipperary di…

Fr Brendan Quinlivan presents Beyond Belief for Sunday 12th January 2025.Oleh Clare FM

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer for the 12th January 2025.Oleh Clare FM

The National Transport Authority is expressing confidence proposed changes to a bus route in West Clare will significantly reduce journey times.Public consultation has opened on planned bus enhancements in the west of the county, among them being a pledge to increase the frequency of Route 350 to every 90 to 120 minutes.It's proposed that the bus w…

A Clare TD insists a range of enhanced supports are urgently needed as parents have to chose between either the soaring costs of living or childcare.It follows a new survey from International finance firm Royal London Ireland which determined the estimated annual salary of a stay-at-home parent would be €57,140.The study looked at the typical daily…

For the second episode of the village tour, Alan Morrissey paid a visit to Crusheen.With the village tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county.By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listene…

The Clare Arts Office has announced that Graham Bulger from Miltown Malbay is the Clare recipient of the Levelling Access Artists Practice Bursary. Graham, a musician, is currently focused on creating his first album.Alan Morrissey caught up with Graham to learn more about his music and how the bursary is helping him with his work.Photo (c): Graham…

We are in RSV Season. RSV – or respiratory syncytial virus - is a common virus that causes coughs and colds and may cause infection in the lower part of the respiratory system. The highest number of RSV infections are usually reported in December and January every year. It’s important for parents to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of RSV –…

The cold snap has just about passed, with a yellow weather alert for low temperature/ice in place for Clare and the rest of the country expiring at noon today.The cold weather has seen countless services impacted throughout Ireland, with school closures in counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois. Snowfall last weekend …

Shannon Chamber is insisting that a long-awaited masterplan for the town can't be allowed to remain the subject of a "talking shop". Clare County Council signed contracts with a concept design team, quantity surveyor and project manager in July 2023 for the design of the One Shannon Hub which is the first phase of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan…

Clare County Council is urging people not be complacent, as travelling conditions remain hazardous on roads and underfoot. Although a status yellow warning for ice and low temperatures will lift at 12 noon today, accumulations of snow and black ice are reported throughout the county following overnight rain, particularly in parts of West and North …

It's claimed government formation and with it an aggressive housing policy is needed to address Clare's housing inflation.According to the latest quarterly report from myhome.ie, the median price of a home here has jumped by 19% to €285,000, which is the fourth highest hike of any county nationwide.In the last three months meanwhile, the number of …

A Clare addiction centre is encouraging people to focus on reducing alcohol intake sustainably throughout the year, rather than just going cutting it out entirely for the first month.Large numbers of people are expected to engage in Dry January, which involves going the full 31 days without drinking.In 2023 alone, there were 121 cases of people tre…

Residents living in tents at Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre in South-East Clare have been told they can sleep in doors "if they wish" amid the current cold spell.As part of its cold weather response plan for Asylum Seekers at Knockalisheen, the Department of Integration says its repairing a heater in one of the tents, as well as making extra…

On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by, Martyn Whyte, chef at Glas Restaurant, Hotel Doolin.This week, Martyn shared a delicious recipe for Tartiflette and Carrot and Brussel Sprout SaladTartiflette Recipe: Tartiflette - potatoes, onion, crispy bacon, cheese (St tola’s hard, Ailiwee smoked, Cratloe hills) 500g salad or baby potat…

Plans to pipe water from the River Shannon to a reservoir in Dublin have gone out for public consultation. Uisce Éireann says it's a "once in a generation" project, which would connect the Parteen Basin with a treatment plant in Birdhill in Tipperary and Peamount in Dublin. It's due to become a "spine" to serve communities along the route, with the…

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Petrina O’Halloran for Parenthood in Focus.Petrina is the founder of Mama’s Boobie Box, mum blogger and writer for online magazine Boobingit.com.This week, Petrina spoke about children going back to school and budgeting for the month of January.…

Do you find yourself with a withered looking Christmas tree in the aftermath of Christmas and are wondering what to do with it? If you are looking for a way to dispose of your Christmas tree, then how about recycling it, while also helping an important conservation cause? The Seafield sand dunes conservation cause is asking people to drop off their…

On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan welcomed Kieran McMahon onto the show for the Fitness and Wellness slot.Kieran is an online personal trainer and is also the founder of KM Fitness and the Be A Better Man online coaching mentorship.This week, Kieran gave advice on how to create habits that stick, with a focus on healthy habits for different ages.…

Ballyvaughan's Farmer’s Bash will take place on Saturday, the 11th of January at the Hyland's Burren hotel.This is the second year of the event, which aims to help farmers in a variety of ways. This year’s Farmer’s Bash is in aid of Embrace Farm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the organiser, Thomas Francis and Co-Founder of Embrace …

Motorists in Clare are being urged to drive with extreme care this morning, after temperatures dipped as low as minus seven degrees overnight. It’s another bitterly cold day with an orange weather warning for low temperatures and ice remaining in place until 11 this morning for most of the country, when it will then revert to the lower yellow warni…

Clare people are being urged to make their opinions known on the future of emergency care in the MidWest before the deadline expires next week. As part of HIQA's review to determine if a second emergency department is needed in the region, it's accepting public submissions online and by post until next Thursday, January 15th. University Hospital Li…

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions.This week, Tommy provided Alan and our Morning Focus listeners with advice on the importance of budgeting.Oleh Clare FM

Calls are being made to reform the CAO points system for entry to third-level education. The calls come in the wake of the significant changes planned for the Leaving Certificate. These changes include a minimum of 40 per cent marks for projects across all subjects. The recommendations from the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Delivery Board include inte…

A “fun-filled day of learning and hands-on DIY projects tailored specifically for women” is promised for Ennis later this month. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is the perfect place to start. The D.I.Y. Academy will take place at Shannonside Homevalue Hardware on Saturday, January 11th.To discuss t…

Alan Morrissey welcomed a panel of experts to provide insights and advice on navigating the ongoing severe weather conditions in County Clare. Acting Manager of Obair Meals on Wheels, Siobhán O’Driscoll, discussed the impact of the icy conditions on vulnerable individuals relying on meal delivery services. Water Treatment Operations Manager in Clar…

During Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey chatted with former Independent councillor, PJ Ryan about the people in both Cratloe and Sixmilebridge who were without electricity due to the extremely cold weather. Quite a few of the affected people are elderly, as PJ mentioned, and the circumstances left them feeling particularly vulnerable. It is …

Clare households are being urged to prioritise heating their homes regardless of cost this week. Saint Vincent De Paul volunteers have been working to ensure service users across the county have adequate supplies of gas and home heating oil amid the sub zero conditions. Additionally, under the winter moratorium currently in place until January 17th…

Clare Gardaí are urging caution on the roads in what they've described as the most challenging winter conditions in recent years. It comes as subzero conditions are persisting across the county, with temperatures of minus three degrees recorded in the county overnight. Tipperary recorded the coldest temperature of almost 6 degrees. An orange weathe…

The Shannon Airport Group is calling on the Government to urgently upgrade its national aviation policy. Shannon Airport experienced its highest passenger numbers in 15 years in 2024, handling over 2.1 million flyers. Last year, Shannon Airport operated 33 routes to 11 countries, including the return of Delta Air Line's daily service to New York, a…

Clare's Dog Warden is urging members of the public to prioritise the welfare of their animals and pets over the coming cold snap.One Clare rescue is already dealing with a cat which had a lucky escape after unintentionally travelling from Kerry after making its way into a car's engine bay in search of heat.Pet owners are also being urged to dry dog…