Projects are being progressed to significantly improve pedestrian access at two tourism landmarks in North Clare.

The West Clare Municipal District has confirmed its progressing plans for infrastructure connecting Clahane to Liscannor Village and for a development linking O'Donoghues Pub. Fanore National School and Fanore Beach.

It's after the MD was awarded €80,000 in funding for the initiatives under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Senior Executive Engineer Tony Neville is confident they'll be a major success.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service claims new legislation will give it "real teeth" protect the flora and fauna of the Burren. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan, has secured Cabinet approval for Ireland's first National Parks Bill. The bill will put the Burren National Park on a dedicated statutory footing, supporting the long-term conservation of its distinctive limestone landscapes and mix of plant species. NPWS Divisional Manager for the Midwest region, William Cormican, says it'll give them powers to interact with people who aren't acting in the best interests of the park.

A Clare lifeboat station is warning people heading to the coast over the summer of the dangers of changing wind direction. The RNLI, Irish Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland are coming together ahead of 'World Drowning Prevention Day' to urge people to take precautions before going in the water for the rest of the season. A total of 37 lives have been lost in Irish waters so far this year. Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Charlie Glynn says even good weather comes with risks.

Morning Focus was broadcasting live from Lahinch Prom for the penultimate leg of Alan Morrissey’s Summer Tour.

Firstly, Alan spoke to Tony Neville, Senior Executive Engineer/Senior Engineer, and Conor Leyden, Rural & Community Development Officer, about the works that have been done around Lahinch and the wider area, especially considering the exceptional weather we've been having.

Clare FM’s Daragh Dolan brought us the latest updates from Killaloe MD's latest council meeting, mainly focusing on the traffic concerns of locals and potential enforcement strategies.

Cara McInerney, Seasonal Beach Operative, and Vinnie Leigh, Traffic Warden/Hub Caretaker, spoke to Alan about the fabulous beach facilities in Lahinch, and the work that goes into their maintenance.

Alan leant about the importance of rocks for both tourism and the environment from Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geologist for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

Melanie Lennon, Sales & Marketing Manager with Clare Tourism Development DAC, and John Gleeson, Lahinch Golf Club Captain 2026, took Alan through the world class golfing facilities in Lahinch, and the benefits they bring for local tourism.

Dora Gola serenaded Alan with a song, accompanied by Michéal Power on the guitar, after sharing her upcoming shows and projects.

Our Friday Panel (John Wall and Ben Bennett) discussed Kilrush's distance from an ED, Budget 2027, the clampdown on people living on Jobseeker's Allowance, and their favourite things about Lahinch.

Finally, to take us into the weekend, Derrick Lynch brought us his preview for this weekend's sporting fixtures.

Photos (c) Clare FM

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to chat about the upcoming sporting fixtures for the weekend.

Derrick gave us his analysis on the TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship teams.

Image (c) Clare FM

Episode 5 - Finding Clare with Lydia by Clare FM

The issues of Safety and Road Safety dominated discussions at the final Killaloe MD meeting of the 2025/26 Council term.  

Elected representatives queried the need for parking wardens at Lough Derg, a meeting with the Clare-Tipperary Garda Divisions Superintendents and urgent traffic calming enhancements. 

Clare FM’s Daragh Dolan was there and began by speaking to O’Callaghan’s Mills Cllr Conor Ryan on road safety issues on the R352 near Tulla GAA.

Photo (c) Kindel Media from Pexels via Canva

A €50 million investment in Shannon Airport is being welcomed as a "powerful endorsement" of the facility. Ryanair has submitted a planning application for a four-bay aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul hanger at the Clare base. The plans also include a new Ryanair Engineering Academy which will see the creation 80 new apprenticeship roles, supporting the training of over 400 aircraft mechanisms between 2027 and 2031. Shannon Airport Group CEO Ray O'Driscoll believes it's a win for the entire region.

Disability Pride is being celebrated in Clare this weekend with a special event bringing together disabled people, families, friends, allies and the wider community for a day of creativity, music and connection.  

 

Organised by the Clare Leader Forum, Disability Pride Clare aims to celebrate the achievements, talents and contributions of disabled people while promoting inclusion and understanding.  

 

To tell us more about the event and the importance of celebrating disability pride, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan.

Image (c) Clare Leader Forum

Episode 4 - Finding Clare with Alexandra by Clare FM