The Oireachtas Housing Committee has published a major new report on homelessness, urging the Government to consider all options, including the possible reintroduction of an emergency ban on no-fault evictions.  

The report also calls for greater investment in homelessness prevention, more social and affordable housing, and a renewed focus on tackling child homelessness.  

With homelessness continuing to rise across the country, the committee says urgent action is needed if Ireland is to meet its target of ending long-term homelessness by 2030.  

To discuss the recommendations and what they could mean in practice, Alan Morrissey was joined by Niall Garvey, CEO of Midwest Simon Community, and Una Burns, Head of Advocacy and Communications with Novas, which operates homelessness services in Ennis and across the country.

Photo © Oireachtas.ie

New figures from the Department of Housing show that Clare is among the strongest-performing counties in the country under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme.  

Since its launch in 2022, more than €14.7 million has been paid out locally to help bring vacant and derelict properties back into use, with Clare ranking behind only Dublin, Cork, Donegal & Tipperary in terms of funding awarded.  

But is the scheme delivering the housing boost it was designed for, and what improvements could be made?  

To discuss this, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Crowe, Chair of the Social Strategic Policy Committee, Carmel Greene, Senior Executive Officer with Clare County Council, and the Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor, Tony O’Brien.

Photo (c) tirc83 from Getty Images Signature via Canva

The timeline for the delivery of a long-awaited medical facility in Ennis has been pushed back yet again. The Government has confirmed that the county's first renal haemodialysis unit to be operated by Fresenius Medical Care in the Clare Technology Park on the Gort Road is expected to be operational within the final three months of this year. The unit, which will have 120 slots per week, was initially intended to be open by the end of 2024. Responding to Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway in the Seanad, Fianna Fáil Minister of State Michael Moynihan says it will ease pressure on services in Limerick and Galway.

A Clare woman living with a visual impairment has told an Oireachtas Committee that the disability payment system has left her trapped on a very low income. The maximum rate of disability allowance in Ireland is currently €254 per week. However, the payment is means tested for any individual with a disability earning more than €165 per week in part-time work. Áine Dunne from Shannon says she's afraid to take on extra work for fear of losing her allowance.

The Dancing for Pleasure Group have plenty to celebrate. 

The weekly dancing community where all ages and abilities are welcome, have reached their 40th anniversary. 

Joining Alan Morrissey from the Dancing for Pleasure Group were two of its founding members, Andy Carmody and Ena Brennan.

Photo (c) Clare FM

As Ireland prepares to take on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, primary school pupils across the country are being encouraged to learn more about Europe through the award-winning Blue Star Programme.  

 

The initiative brings the EU to life in classrooms through projects exploring European history, geography, culture and citizenship. Eleven schools in Clare are already taking part, including Flagmount Central National School.  

 

To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Finn Moffat, Education Manager with European Movement Ireland, and Nicola McMahon from Flagmount Central National School. 

Image (c) European Movement Ireland

The Environmental Protection Agency is warning that Ireland's cleanest rivers are continuing to decline, with its latest report showing little overall improvement in water quality during 2025. 

The EPA says nutrient pollution from agriculture and wastewater remains the biggest challenge, and warns that without significant action, meaningful improvements are unlikely in the near future.  

The report also contains findings relating to County Clare's rivers, lakes and coastal waters.  

To discuss the latest assessment and what it means both nationally and locally, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cormac McConigley, Senior Scientific Officer in the EPA’s Water Management Programme.

Photo (c) Clare FM

Time for another Taste of the Week, on Thursday’s Morning Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by Danny Lynch, Chef from Le Cheile in Barefield.

Danny told us a recipe for a Cajun Chicken Burger and other goodies.

Image (c) Clare FM

The Square in Ennis is the venue for the latest static charity cycle in aid of the Samaritans. 

The annual cycle will take place tomorrow (Friday, the 19th of June) from 9am-6pm. 

For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Peadar White, cycling enthusiast and event organiser, and Pat White, Director of Clare Samaritans.

Photo (c) Clare FM

As the longest day of the year approaches, a special Summer Solstice celebration is set to take place at the historic Thoor Ballylee in Gort.  

The evening will combine a scenic walk, music, poetry, storytelling and a chance to experience one of Ireland's most treasured literary landmarks, all while raising funds for the RNLI lifeboat service.  

Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the event, the history of Thoor Ballylee and the enduring legacy of W.B. Yeats were historian, author and RNLI fundraiser Joe Queally from Fanore, and Liam O’Brien of Doolin Ferries.

Photo (c) Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society