It's being argued that newly-published legislation will provide the "perfect" solution to construction delays currently being seen in Clare. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has tabled a bill intended to overhaul the judicial review process while "ensuring balance and protection of the common good". Under the proposed changes, a judicial review can't be sought on purely technical grounds, applicants can only claim costs where the final decision provides a significant benefit to them, and only those directly affected by the development can make an objection. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly say the current system is a "joke" and displays a "mistrust" of local authority planners.

A Clare-based chemical solutions provider worth €65 million has acquired a Cork-based firm. Chemical Solutions Group, which has its headquarters in Shannon, has agreed terms to acquire wastewater and effluent treatment chemicals specialist Celtic Water Care. The group, which already comprises Chemifloc, GI Chemicals Ireland, GI Chemical Solutions UK, and Chemilab, deals with potable water, wastewater, environmental and hygiene applications. Its CEO, Kevin Quinn, says the acquisition is a "win-win" for both parties.

If your New Year's resolution is to watch more films, you're going to be busy.

A smorgasbord of films are due for release in 2026: from the retelling of the Saipan showdown between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy, to Irish Oscar hopes resting on the performances of Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in Hamnet...to a feelgood true story about a Neil Diamond tribute act!

For a preview of the must-sees and avoid at all costs flicks , Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Colum McGrath.

The great Colm Liddy, author and local historian was back in the studio for the first segment of 2026.

This week, Colm told us about the Clare Election of 1828.

Hauliers are warning that new fuel taxes, toll hikes and port charges introduced at the start of the year are pushing rural businesses to the brink and driving up the cost of everyday goods.

Eugene Drennan, former President of the Irish Road Haulage Association and an Ennis-based haulier, says the government is deeply out of touch with the pressures facing rural Ireland.

Alan Morrissey was joined by Eugene on Tuesday's Morning Focus to discuss this further.

Photo (c) Good Life Studio from Getty Images via Canva

What can we expect from this year?

Nobody can predict what will come our way in 2026...or can they?

If you want an idea of what is going to happen in this new year, then you could do worse than have a read of Old Moore’s Almanac.

Old Moore’s Almanac, one of the oldest almanacs in the world, has a very good track record when it comes to predicting what will take place the following year.

To find out more about the Almanac, what they got right this year, and what is in store for 2026, Alan Morrissey was joined by Editor of Old Moore’s Almanac, Nicole Buckler.

Shannonwatch is calling on the Irish government to categorically condemn the illegal invasion of Venezuela.

The group also wants to see an immediate suspension of the use of Shannon Airport as a transit hub for US troops and their weapons.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Edward Horgan, Shannonwatch Founder.

Photo (c) Shannonwatch Facebook

The future of Venezuela must be decided by the people living there, according to the Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin says action must be taken to ensure there is a fair and free election in the country, after US forces captured its president.

Nicolas Maduro denied drug-trafficking charges in a New York court yesterday, with Donald Trump stating the US now 'runs' Venezuela.

Speaking in China, Taoiseach Micheál Martin says Ireland never accepted the legitimacy of Maduro's regime.

But how did ordinary Venezuelans feel about Maduro? And how do they feel about what Trump and the US have done?

Paula Sicard, born in Columbia & raised in Venezuela, was live in-studio with Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

New Research Highlights Growing Openness to Dry January.

Drinkaware, the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, is encouraging adults across Ireland to consider taking part in Dry January 2026 — a month-long opportunity to reset habits, boost wellbeing, and explore a more mindful relationship with alcohol.

To discuss this in detail, Alan Morrissey was joined by Meadhbh Firmino da Silva Santos, Deputy Manager at Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

Photo (c) drinkaware.ie

Former Ennis councillor Brian Meaney has put forward an interesting – some might say provocative - idea aimed at slowing the decline of Irish pubs.

He believes a modest charge for filtered tap water could help recognise the real costs of running a pub, reduce reliance on heavily marketed zero-alcohol products, and protect the pub’s role as a vital social hub in Irish communities.

Brian Meaney joined Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus to explain this.

Photo (c) Mike Da Bell Getty Images via Canva