On Ours To Protect today, we take a closer look at biodiversity and sustainability in Co Clare.

We visit the Lough Grainey valley in East Clare an area of immense beauty and ecological value.

Here, a highly skilled team of directors, committed to protecting biodiversity, rewilding and nature education are working to develop the area as a nature sanctuary.

Dr Marina Levitina is Co-founder of the Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary.

A councillor embroiled in a row over who'll wear the Cathaoirleach's chains in East Clare over the next few months has dismissed the episode as a "political spat". Sparks flew at yesterday's meeting of Killaloe Municipal District when Fine Gael's Pat Burke contested the decision allowing the Leas Cathaoirleach, Fianna Fáil's Pat Hayes, to ascend to the vacant top position. Arguably Clare's most harmonious municipal district became a battleground this week as the subject of which councillor will replace newly-elected Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney as Cathaoirleach dominated early discussions. Prior to his election to Dáil Éireann in November, Deputy Cooney had been the appointed Cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District for the 2024/25 Clare County Council term, with Maghera Councillor Pat Hayes serving as Leas Cathaoirleach. Following O'Callaghan's Mills native Conor Ryan's co-option onto the municipal district in December, the newcomer quickly indicated his lack of interest in taking the reins just set. Yesterday, it was proposed that Councillor Hayes would step up from his position as vice-chair to be at the helm of the MD until June, with Fianna Fáil councillors Tony O'Brien and Alan O'Callaghan backing the plan. The development led Whitegate Councillor Pat Burke to accuse the Fianna Fáil contingent of "railroading" their Fine Gael counterparts and refusing to engage with him on the subject. He claims it's not unthinkable that the three Fianna Fáil councillors have a "plan up their sleeve" to ensure Councillor Ryan never has the opportunity to be Cathaoirelach in this term. With four years left in this council term, it's not yet clear if Councillor Hayes will serve a full year as Cathaoirleach at another stage or if Councillor Ryan will wear the chains for half of that year in order to ensure both representatives do a full stint. Councillor Hayes believes a "flare-up" is healthy every once in a while and doesn't envisage that the issue will be a cause of friction going forward.

The firm responsible for a new demographic, economic and social analysis of the east of the county says it's been pleasantly surprised by how well the area is doing.

Ennis-based consultancy People and Place has launched its socio-economic analysis of Killaloe Municipal District which is the first of its kind in Ireland.

The report shows that the region's population is growing at a faster rate than that of the county, Ireland as a whole and all other MDs bar Ennis, with its number of residents having increased by almost 8.8% between 2016 and 2022.

Director of People and Place, Justin Gleeson has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that there's plenty of causes for optimism in the findings.

Shannon Airport will become a national hub for testing new aviation technology under the draft programme for government. The coalition's provisional policy document for the next term has also committed to implementing the recommendations of HIQA's ongoing review that will determine if another emergency department is needed in the MidWest. The document also pledges to deliver 12,000 social homes per year. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley believes the proposals will have a pivotal impact on this county's housing supply.

The Killaloe Municipal District's Fianna Fáil councillors have been accused of "railroading" their Fine Gael counterparts following the selection of a new Cathaoirleach. Upon being elected to Dáil Éireann in November, former Bodyke Councillor Joe Cooney vacated the Cathaoirleach seat in the Killaloe MD. Following a decision by his replacement, O'Callaghan's Mills Councillor Conor Ryan, not to to take up the mantle, it was decided at this week's meeting of the region's elected representatives that Leas Cathaoirleach Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes will assume the role until the end of the council term. Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke claims his Fianna Fáil colleagues have refused to engage with him on the issue and that there's no precedent for a vice-chair to be elevated to the top position.

The 160 page programme for government was published yesterday, and the promised measures include a pledge to see 300,000 homes built by the end of 2030.

This would include 12,000 social houses, a multi-annual plan to be developed to 'urgently' deliver new student accommodation, dedicated security for public transport, and a health led solution for people found in possession of drugs for personal use.

Sinn Féin said the proposals for the healthcare sector were ‘vague’ and ‘lacked vision’.

To discuss this further, Peter O'Connell was joined by Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Patrick O'Donovan.

Photo © Oireachtas.ie

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer on today the 19th January 2025 the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make cauliflower soup!

To get an insight into the recipe, Peter O'Connell was joined by Canadian chef and owner of Randaddy’s in Lahinch, Randy Lewis.

Image (c): Mizina from Getty Images via Canva & Aesthetic squiggle line by Sandi Dwi Prasetyo from Sandidwipr via Canva

Clare has a new festival!

A Sliver Of Light is a new music & arts weekender, happening in Hotel Doolin, from Friday the 24th to Sunday the 26th of January.

The fantastic lineup includes David Kitt, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Ana Palindrome, DUG, Méabh McKenna, and many more.

To find out more, Peter O'Connell was joined by organiser, Emmet Condon.

Photo (C): https://www.facebook.com/DoolinArts/events/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0&_rdr

Kilrush RNLI is in mourning, following the passing of one of its members.

Fintan Keating was one of Kilrush Lifeboat Station’s original volunteers when it was established in 1994.

Fintan dedicated over 30 years of service to the RNLI, demonstrating unwavering commitment to both the institution and his fellow volunteers.

Kilrush RNLI Spokesperson, Charlie Glynn, and former Kilrush lifeboat operations manager, Pauline Dunleavy paid tribute to Fintan, on Thursday's Morning Focus.

Photo (C): Clare FM