It's claimed urgent Government action is required to preserve a critical element of the emergency services in Clare and elsewhere. Two thousand members of the Retained Firefighter service across the country will begin industrial action today, with up to half of stations in the service set to be closed. SIPTU which represents the workers is warning the action will result in very serious disruption to services. The crew members have a base salary of 8 thousand 500 euro, and must remain within 3 kilometres of their stations where they can be called up on 24 hours a day. Loop Head-based Fianna Fáil Councillor, Cillian Murphy insists the Government must make funding available to ensure the sustainability of the service for future generations.

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by two artists, Mary Fahy and Frances Bermingham. Mary and Frances are hosting a pilgrim exhibition,'Dabhach Bhríde - By Boat To Inis Óirr - Pilgrim Exhibition'. Mary discussed how her and Frances came into contact and how the whole idea was brought to existence. Frances highlights how the exhibition has its connections to county Clare and more information about it.

This exhibition by Frances Bermingham and Mary Fahy will be held in the gallery at Áras Éanna Arts Centre from the 3rd to 23rd of June 2023.

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Emer O'Neill, chief executive of CARI and Ireland rugby player, Eimear Considine. CARI is Ireland's child sexual abuse helpline, that receives no state funding. Today they are launching an appeal to cover the costs of operating the helpline. The CARI helpline is being backed by a number of leading figures like Eimear Considine. Emer showcased what CARI is all about and outlined their goals and how to support the cause. Eimear Considine highlighted how important the helpline is to families and those who need their help.

For more information you can visit the CARI website at www.cari.ie and if you are in need of their help you can call their helpline at 0818924567

Fears are being expressed of a high number of wildlife deaths following a significant forest fire in Clare.

It comes as a popular walking trail in the South-East of the county was forced to close for a number of days after becoming engulfed in a vicious blaze.

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 live events for entertainment lovers in the Banner County this week, who rounded up events on the social calendar for the coming fortnight.

A resident of direct provision centre in Clare is calling on the government to establish a long term plan to cater for incoming refugees.

It comes on the back of a recent fine of €1.5million for the state due to a failure to accommodate 350 migrants in the country.

Under the terms of Ireland's agreement with the European Union, the payment will go towards housing the migrants in other EU member states.

However, Bulelani Mfaco who is a resident of Knonckalisheen Direct provision centre claims the government need to take action for the inevitable increase in humans becoming displaced by war and climate change to come.

A former Mayor of Clare claims the government's housing policy is completely neglecting small towns and villages.

The office of Minister Darragh O'Brien issued a written response to the Local Authority which appeared to pour cold water on a request from councillors seeking the advancement of the Affordable Housing Scheme beyond Ennis & Shannon.

It follows a high volume of expressions of interest for the scheme from residents living outside the towns, who exceed the treshold for social housing grants.

Sixmilebridge Independent Councillor, PJ Ryan says the state are leaving families and young couples trapped between two stools.

Ireland's child sexual abuse Helpline has launched an appeal for valuable funding and to spread awareness of its support services.

Children At Risk Ireland recieves no State funding and is looking for €85,000 to cover the costs of operating the helpline.

The CARI Helpline is the first point of contact and support for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse or sexualised behaviour.

Ambassador for CARI and Ireland Rugby player from Kilmihil Eimear Considine details the importance of the service.

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Gerry Ryan, content writer, song writer and writer, Teresa Carmody O'Shea, writer/creative producer and Morgan Bushe from Fastnet Films. Gerry discussed his love for the festival and as a writer his desire to create a documentary about the festival. Teresa explained why the festival has been dormant for so long and believes this new generation of people will be fascinated by the documentary. Morgan outlines the need for those who have attended the festival from 1978-1983 to get in touch with their own memorabilia from the festival. This includes everything from ticket stubs to photos.

If you have any memorabilia to share for the documentary please contact Gerry at [email protected]

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Derrick Lynch, Clare FM Sports Editor and Tommy Guilfoyle, Clare FM Hurling Analyst. Derrick and Tommy discussed the recent Clare defeat against Limerick in the Munster SHC Final. Derrick highlighted where he believes the Clare men went wrong on Sunday. Tommy outlined how Clare knows where to improve after yesterday's performance and they have to move on to the next game in order to bounce back. Afterwards, Derrick reviewed the Clare ladies football victory over Offaly, and the medical incident one of the Tyrone camogie players experienced on Saturday's All Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship game against Clare.