Clare FM

It's claimed a proposed ban on Clare County Council purchasing homes from the private market would be a serious hindrance to the delivery of social housing in the county.

Housing Minister James Browne is to table a proposal that would phase out local authority funding for the purchase of homes from private developers by the end of next year.

The move aims to involve local authorities more closely in the design of new homes, in a bid to better address social housing need while maintaining supply on the private market.

Chair of Clare County Council’s Social Development SPC, Sixmilebridge Councillor John Crowe, has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that the proposal could create serious challenges for the local authority in meeting its social housing targets.

Muse Productions has built a wonderful reputation for bringing high-quality musical theatre to Clare audiences, and after the outstanding success of last year's production of RENT, which won Best Show in Ireland in the Gilbert section at the AIMS Awards in June, the group is preparing for another major challenge.  

This time, they're taking on the iconic musical West Side Story, with performances in Shannon from 28th to 31st October.  

Alan Morrissey was joined by director Martin McNelis, Conor McNelis, who plays Riff, and Sally Fox, who takes on the role of Anita.

Image (c) Muse Productions

Ennis Soroptimists are joining a European campaign to shine a light on human trafficking, an issue that often remains hidden in plain sight.

 

The awareness campaign by Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland has reached more than 400,000 people, and representatives recently brought their message to the European Parliament ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day last Sunday. 

This comes as the charity Ruhama is reporting a significant rise in the number of women trafficked into Ireland - who are seeking its support.  

Joining Alan Morrissey was Mary Flanagan, Secretary of Ennis & District Club Soroptimists International, who took part in the European visit.

Photo (c) 3283197d_273 from Getty Images via Canva

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fergal O’Keeffe, an Ennis native and creator of the Travel Tales with Fergal podcast.

If the current cold weather isn't cold enough for you, Fergal gave his input on the upcoming 26/27 skiing season.

Image (c) Clare FM

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Avril Collentine, Cahir & Co. Solicitors for this week’s legal advice.

Avril told us about key considerations when transferring the family farm, and the succession advice planning grant.

Image (c) Cahir & Co Solicitors

John Burns, Chair of the Board Rice College and Educational Consultant, joined Alan Morrissey to give advice to students who are facing roadblocks to studying for the upcoming Leaving Cert.

- Incorrect subjects

- Underperformance in Junior Cycle exams

- Family caring

- Poverty

- Grief

Photo (c) Clare FM

Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities.  

Alan Morrissey was joined by another of Clare’s incredible volunteers, Robert Cleary.

Rob Cleary, from Miltown Malbay, is a facilities engineer by day and a dedicated volunteer with Clare Civil Defence, a volunteer-based organisation that supports frontline emergency services in County Clare. The Civil Defence assists in times of severe weather, flooding,

major accidents and in searches for missing persons while also offering community support at local events.

Rob’s volunteering journey began during his university years, when he served as a Unit Officer and EMT with the Clare Red Cross. In 2018, he joined Clare Civil Defence, qualifying as Swift Water & Search Responder and a Drone Pilot. He values the camaraderie, the chance to develop new skills, the positive atmosphere and the lasting friendships he has built through volunteering.

In 2024, Rob was honoured with the John Cuddihy Volunteer of the Year Award, created in memory of a long-serving Clare Civil Defence volunteer whose loyalty, dedication and selflessness set the highest standard. Civil Defence Officer Steven Hayes remarked that the award recognises volunteers who embody John’s values and Rob’s commitment and skill make him a worthy recipient.

Photo (c) Clare FM

Award-winning author and chef Trevis Gleason joined Alan Morrissey to talk about the launch of the second edition of Burren Dinners, recently launched in Dingle.  

Written in collaboration with the Burren Ecotourism Network, the book celebrates the region’s outstanding food culture, showcasing the farmers, growers, producers, bakers, butchers and chefs who have helped put the Burren firmly on the foodie map.

Image (c) Trevis Gleason

The Clare Leader Forum is calling for a graded approach to disabled parking badges amid concerns about potential abuse of the current system. 

 

Figures show that 944 permits were issued in Clare since 2023, with 86 applications refused.  

 

Joining Alan Morrissey was Anne-Marie Flannagan, Director of the Clare Leader Forum, based in Ennistymon, to discuss the proposed changes and the need to ensure the system is fair and accessible.  

 

They also discussed calls from working disabled people for an expansion of the cost of disability payment through a tax credit in 2027.

Photo (c) ngirish from Getty Images via Canva

The Government has announced plans to reduce maximum childcare fees to €550 a month from September 2027, describing the Budget measures as a significant step towards making childcare more affordable.  

However, questions remain about who will actually benefit, with opposition politicians and childcare campaigners warning that many families could miss out.  

To discuss what the changes mean for parents, childcare providers and the future of the sector, Alan Morrissey has spoken with Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan.

Photo (c) Tara Winstead from Pexels via Canva