The head of roads policing in Clare claims a failure to comply with new speed limits could result in a dangerous driving charge, if motorists are deemed to be driving at excessive speeds. As of midnight last night, speed limits for local roads across the county now stand at 60 kilometres per hour, having been reduced from kilometres per hour. The move has sparked criticism in some quarters, amid claims the new limit is too restrictive and will result in greater volumes of motorists failing to adhere to speed limits. Head of the Roads Policing Unit in the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division, Superintendent Eddie Golden, has been telling me that regardless of opinions on the new limits the responsibility lies with the driver not to accrue points on their license.

A new Clare TD has used her maiden speech in Dáil Éireann to ask what steps will be taken to fix the overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Limerick. Shannon-based Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan has told Tánaiste Simon Harris that 2,234 patients were left waiting on trolleys at the facility last month which was up 131 from the same month last year. Today, 99 people were without a bed at UHL during morning rounds according to Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation figures. Addressing the Tánaiste, Deputy McGettigan says people are afraid of going to the Dooradoyle facility because of the stories they've heard.

A Clare auctioneer is arguing the delivery of housing targets committed to as part of the new programme for government won't be possible without tax reductions for first time buyers. It comes amid accusations in the Dáil this week that the Government misled the public during the election campaign about housing figures. 30,000 homes were built last year, 10,000 fewer than what was initially promised, while over 300,000 new homes have been promised between 2025 and 2030. Managing Director of DNG O'Sullivan Hurley in Ennis, Douglas Hurley, says reducing the cost of new homes is a better alternative otherwise the country will experience affordability issues.

A Clare Minister has hit back at criticism of government response to Storm Éowyn claiming the preparation in the lead up to the storm lead to the avoidance of a catastrophic situation. At the height of the extreme weather event, 768,000 homes farms and businesses were without power across the country, with 44,000 of those in Clare. There was extensive damage across the county, most notably at Liscannor Pier and the sea wall in Cappagh, while some people in Clare remained without power, water or broadband coverage for 11 days after the storm. Speaking in the Dáil, Junior Minister at the Departments of Agriculture and the Environment, Timmy Dooley, says there are lessons that can be learned for future weather events going forward.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn chats with Clarecastle based singer/songwriter David Slattery and award-winning Polish-born photographer Beata Rosik who lives in Ennis.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch.

Games reviewed:

Hurling - Galway v Clare (Saturday, Pearse Stadium, 7:30pm)

Ladies Football - Westmeath v Clare (Sunday, Athlone, 2pm)

There are calls being made for a clampdown of illegal encampments in Clare.

It comes after the recent movement of an encampment of a number of caravans in the Cappahard estate on the Tulla Road in Ennis, which had been in place for a number of months.

However, it has now moved to Waterpark House in Drumbiggle.

Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe wants to see a clampdown on illegal encampments.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe.

Photo (c): Modfos from Getty Images

Bestselling author Roisín Meaney has released her latest novel, Moving On, marking an impressive milestone as her 22nd book.

Roisín Meaney joined Alan Morrissey in-studio to share more about her newest release.

There has been widespread condemnation of Donald Trump’s proposal to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza and have the US take over the war-ruined enclave.

The Amerocam president made the surprising proposal during the visit of Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, saying he envisioned transforming Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East".

Trump’s remarks drew rebukes from nations such as Russia, China, and Germany, which said it would foster "new suffering and new hatred." Middle East heavyweight Saudi Arabia rejected the proposal outright.

Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyhu has given Donald Trump’s plan his support on Fox News.

However, the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid says the people of Gaza are going nowhere.

To discuss all of this and more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Professor Of Politics at DCU, Donnacha Ó Beacháin, and Chair of Sadaka, Former Director of Trócaire, Éamonn Meehan.

Photo (c) geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump

It is time for the sixth episode of our second season of The Village Tour.

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 listener.

During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan Morrissey chats with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more.

In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan paid a visit to Cree.