Clare FM

Clare's TDs have locked horns over whether Budget 2025 will give a helping hand to those in greatest need, or is simply thinly-veiled electioneering.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has claimed the €8.3 billion package will put the country on a "firm footing for the future", but critics have dismissed it as a giveaway as the clock winds down to Election Day.

Dubbed the largest Budget since the Celtic Tiger, this year's Budget contains a raft of measures aimed at appeasing various cohorts across society.

Included in its record €2 billion social protection package are double payments for some social welfare recpients in October and a €12 increase in the weekly Social Protection payment.

Two energy credits of €250 will go to every households on either side of Christmas while the 9% reduced VAT rate on gas and electricity will be extended to the end of April next year.

These measures, according to Minister Chambers, are to "support the most vulnerable and ease the financial burden over the winter months".

Other aspects of the package include a double payment of child benefit, an extension of the free schoolbook initiative and a cut to USC.

Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe believes the Budget looks after the young, the elderly and the vulnerable while giving particular assistance to Middle Ireland.

Critics of the Government, meanwhile, have pointed out the prevalence in the Budget of one-off payments such as the aforementioned energy credit, as well as the rent tax credit which will rise from €750 to €1,000 for single tenants, and to €2,000 for a jointly-assessed couple.

These, it's been suggested, don't get to the root of the cost-of-living crisis and merely act as particular groups on side ahead of an impending election.

Other measures that have come under fire include the €7.50 increase on the current rate of carbon tax on petrol and diesel from €56 to €63.50.

Kilrush Independent TD Violet Anne-Wynne insists the Budget lacks compassion and claims the Government is "buying votes".

A new monthly ambient night of music and visuals will be making its way to Ennistymon.

It will be running at The Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon with lots of great acts lined up for the winter.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sea Area Forecast founder, Simon O'Reilly and performer, Myles O'Reilly.

Photo (c): Simon O'Reilly and Joby Hickey via Instagram

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 following Tuesday's budget.

As unbelievable as it might sound, one driver was arrested seven times for intoxicated driving last year...a year in which 184 people died on our roads.

This statistic comes from the annual report from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, which forensically tests driver samples.

According to their report, 265 drivers were arrested for intoxicated driving more than once.

To discuss this in more detail, Alan Morrissey was joined by Killaloe Fianna Fáil Cllr, Tony O’Brien and co-founder of Better Ennis, Síle Guinnane.

Photo (c) Lisa Fotios from Pexels via canva.com

Seomra Spraoi is bringing its comedy night, Ennis The Menace, back to The Copper Jug in Ennis this Friday evening, October 4th, from 8:30 to 11pm.

After two successfully sold out shows already, the venue has become a favourite for Ireland's leading travelling comedy club.

To find out what’s in store, Alan Morrissey was joined by comedians, Jojo Blake and Fiona O'Mahony.

Photo (c): https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ennis-the-menace-tickets-878783885257

Budget 2025 is the most talked about thing in the country right now.

Clare FM’s Katie McNamara has been pounding the streets of Ennis, getting reaction from the public to the Budget.

For further insight on the impacts of Budget 2025, Alan Morrissey was joined by President of Clare's SVP branch, Denis Carty, Quin based Digital Ambassador for Active Retirement Ireland, Eugene Phillips and Clare Mother, Deborah Kett.

Photo (c): Clare FM

It's claimed Clare's tourism operators will have to fundamentally reduce their offering and scale back services to survive following a "really disappointing" Budget 2025. As expected, there was no reduction to the 13.5% hospitality VAT rate, while the minimum wage rose by 50c to €13.50 per hour, meaning employers will face an additional annual bill of over €1,400 for each staff member earning that amount. The Government did introduce a €170m energy subsidy scheme, though, which it claims will support over 39,000 hospitality and retail firms. But Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Vice Chair and Manager of Durty Nelly's Bar and Restaurant in Bunratty Maurice Walsh fears the industry's viability is at risk.

Over 6,000 people left University Hospital Limerick's Emergency Department last year before their treatment was complete. Newly-published HSE figures show that across 2023, 6,198 patients left the ED at the region's main hospital before completing their treatment, with just 667 returning within 30 days. The HSE says that "Emergency Departments and their associated hospitals must clinically prioritise those who must be treated first", and that "where a patient is seriously ill or injured, their needs will be prioritised above those with less serious conditions". Regional Health Forum West member and Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker-Bashua doesn't believe it's good enough that people in Clare are being told to consider alternatives to presenting at the Emergency Department.

Preview Of TUS Clare SHC And IHC Semi Finals With Andrew Fahy

Clare FM's Derek Dormer spoke with some of those involved in the Clare Forestry Rally, which is being run in the county for the first time in 42 years