A proposal for a long-sought pedestrian crossing at a major roundabout on the outskirts of Ennis has yet to receive approval. Concerns around pedestrian and motorist safety at the Clareabbey Roundabout between Clarecastle and Ennis have been consistently raised by local representatives since the roundabout's construction. Following a raised put forward by Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker-Bashua at this week's meeting of Ennis Municipal District, Clare County Council has stated it's awaiting TII approval on a feasibility report which identifies a raised pedestrian crossing on the western arm of the roundabout as the preferred option. Councillor Baker-Bashua says although pedestrians are the most vulnerable group at the roundabout, it's dangerous for drivers as well.

Clare FM Preview Of TUS SFC Quarter Final And Relegation Playoff

Clare's Member of the European Parliament claims Ireland's tax arrangement with Apple had "all the hallmarks of a sweetheart deal".

It comes as the European Court of Justice has ruled that Apple must pay €13.1 billion in unpaid tax to Ireland following an almost ten-year legal battle.

In 2016, the European Commission found the company had underpaid taxes due to Ireland to that amount between 2003 and 2014 - a decision which was rejected by both Apple and the Irish Government.

Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes Ireland has allowed large corporations to wield far too much power.

A West Clare principal is arguing Ireland must look at international best practice to bring about change to its third-level education admissions process.

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals is calling for the CAO to be reformed following concerns around the lottery system which students applying for more than 23 courses this year faced.

A total of 83,369 offers were issued by the Central Applications Office last month, with 56% of applicants getting their first preference course while 83% secured on of their top three choices.

Principal of St. Joseph's Community College Kilkee, Agnes Hehir, says there are example of more just admissions systems abroad.

It's feared the headcount at small and medium businesses in Clare will begin to shrink unless action is taken to reduce costs in budget 2025.

It comes as the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Council is warning the Government that the proposed 8% increase to the national minimum wage will have a disproportionate impact on smaller firms.

The ISME claims inflation is running at just 2% and that a better option would be to ease the cost of living crisis for employees by incentivising private sector investment to boost rental supply and affordability of housing.

Director of the Ailwee Burren Experience Nuala Mulqueeney insists cost pressures are penalising staff and businesses alike.

A Clare family resource centre says, meanwhile, that they're 'bursting at the seams' due to the pressure and demand for the services provided there.

Shannon Family Resource Centre, which offers financial support for families as well as financial literary courses says without adequate funding, it's unable to provide consistent and improved supports to those who need it.

Co-Ordinator, Debbie O'Halloran, believes if the government consulted with such organisations, it would lead to a greater understanding of what funding is required.

The report, using data from statistics agency, Eurostat found that prices here are currently 45% higher than EU average.

In fact, Ireland's rate is the second highest rate in Europe, with only Luxembourg, at 52%, having higher prices than Ireland.

Prices were calculated by the amount of money needed to purchase the same product volume in each country, based on the usage rates of goods and services, while also accounting for exchange rates.

Ennis native and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin, Micháel Collins says in Ireland's case, a lack of competiton in service sectors leads to people paying more than in other EU countries.

It's claimed Clare's animal welfare services are facing extreme pressure as the pet sales market in this county has collapsed.

In the last twelve months alone, 34 golden retrievers were surrended to Clare County Council's dog shelter by the same two people, who had originally intended to sell on the pups.

The total cost of the surrender would have came to €680 and the with the help of Molly Moo's animal shelter in Limerick, all the dogs have since been rehomed.

Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote is reminding the public to approach their local rescue centres before buying a dog.

World Physiotherapy Day took place recently.

The focus of the day was on lower back pain.

To mark the occasion, the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists hosted an online lecture titled "Myths of Low Back Pain".

The online lecture was delivered by Professor Kieran O’Sullivan, Head of Physiotherapy at University of Limerick.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kieran O’Sullivan.

Photo (c): Africa Images via Canva

Have you ever worried that someone you know may be thinking about suicide, but you didn’t know how to start the conversation?

This week on Morning Focus, we discussed ’Let’s Talk About Suicide’ a free, online suicide prevention training programme from the HSE with Michael Collins.

Visit hse.ie/letstalk 

If you missed the interview you can listen back here.