There's major excitement in Ennis today as a new store has opened on the Limerick Road.

Marks and Spencer has officially opened its 20th Irish branch inside the Applegreen Service Station in the county town.

The facility will employ seventeen people in total and will offer an array of artisan foods, while its Subway unit and car wash have also been fully refurbished.

Store Manager Daniel Sveda has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan they're hopeful of further expansion.

An urgent appeal has been issued to people in Clare for blood donations, as supplies remain very low in the wake of Storm Éowyn.

The recent severe weather events and high levels of respiratory illness within communities has significantly impacted blood collections and the IBTS is running critically low in blood stocks.

It says it urgently needs new donors, younger donors, donors of all ethnicities and in particular, those of African heritage.

Clinics are taking place in Ennis and Ennistymon today and tomorrow and Broadford based Donor Recruitment Executive, Alex O'Connor says five days worth of blood is required to reach comfortable levels of supply.

Rent pressure zones could be about to see changes, and, even, their possible removal.

This has been mooted by the Taoiseach, with Micheál Martin suggesting the government would explore an alternative to RPZs between now and the end of the year when they are due to expire.

He said the government was looking at changes to the way the rent cap system is structured.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle, and Liam Browne of REA Paddy Browne.

Photo (c): AndrewJohnson from Getty Images Signature

As Ireland gears to navigate the potential disruptions to international trade and the risk of a tariff war, ISME has conducted a flash survey of SMEs to assess any such exposure to tariffs and related challenges for trade.

How many SMEs export to and import from the United States? How many could suffer, as a consequence of a trade war?

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Managing Director of the Ailwee Burren Experience and ISME Council member, Nuala Mulqueeney.

Photo(C): naumoid from Getty Images via Canva

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to Fergal O’Keefe, host of the Travel Tales with Fergal podcast.

On this week’s Travel Tales, Fergal told us about his winter activities in Switzerland.

In this week’s History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to focus on hedge schools and Brian Merriman

If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at [email protected] or Clare FM at [email protected].

How would you fancy living in a home that only takes ten minutes to hoover?

Cathy Bogenberger is lucky enough to be in such a position.

Of course, it probably helps that the Mountshannon woman lives in a tiny home!

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare owner of a tiny home, Cathy Bogenberger.

Photo (C): Cathy Bogenberger

A free arts camp for children aged 8 to 12 years old with lifelong health conditions and disability will take place in Clare later this year.

It is being organised by Helium Arts and will take place around Easter.

The camp aimed at children with lifelong health conditions and disability who are living in or around Clare.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by marketing and communications manager with Helium Arts, Cathy McGann.

Element (c) Camp by La La La via Canva

Element (c) Lettering Happy Easter with colorful letters by MiaGR via Canva

Element (c) Easter Eggs by Canva Layouts and by motionartsmedia from pixabay via Canva

Rob is preparing for a huge adventure: an expedition in the Arctic Circle!

In early March, he will be part of the group taking on what will be an arduous 80 km trek, during which they could face temperatures of –20°C...and lower!

Rob is doing it for a very good reason, though.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Samaritans Clare Branch Volunteer, Rob Phillips.

Photo (C): Clare FM

There’s bad news for the people of Lisdoonvarna, with the local post office there set to close at the end of April.

However, efforts are underway to ensure the local community in Lisdoonvarna can avail of a post office beyond the end of April and into the future.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lisdoonvarna local Marie Lynch and Cllr Joe Garrihy.

Photo (c): An Post/