A Sustainable Energy Community is any group of people who come together to improve how energy is used for the benefit of their community.

The Sustainable Energy Communities or SEC Programme is a nationwide initiative which aims to support Ireland’s transition to a more energy efficient and sustainable future.

In this county, the Clare Local Development Company continues to grow the SEC programme, supporting and funding communities to take climate action at local level, and in particular to reduce energy use.

Lorraine Power works with the Clare Local Development Company.

A planned centre for housing international protection applicants in Shannon is no longer going ahead.

Early last year, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed it was seeking to refit Unit 153 in Shannon Business Park for emergency accommodation.

In response to a query from Clare Indepdendent TD Michael McNamara, Minster for Integration Joe O'Brien has confirmed, however, that the Department has released it's interest in the property and that 'there will be no International Protection Applicants arriving'.

Scariff Deputy McNamara says the Department's prior engagement needs improvement to avoid any community uncertainty.

The MidWest Hospital Campaign insists the focus of stakeholders must be on fighting for the reopening of all three former A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh and St. Johns.

It's in response to comments from Kilkee Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy, who suggested that a singular focus from politicians and campaigners to lobby for only the Ennis A&E is the best solution for the region.

It's claimed a dedicated commisioner for older people is needed to ensure adequate access to housing in Clare.

It comes as Threshold recorded a 40% increase in the number of pensioners presenting with housing difficulties last year.

There are now 439 people over the age of 65 living in private rental accommodation in this county, which the housing charity has described as an usuitable dependency.

Shannon-based Former Active Retirement Ireland President, Kay Murphy insists the government must commit to their promise of ringfencing a quarter of all new social homes for older people.

On Friday's Morning Focus, Willie McGrath and Donna McGrath, Organiser of the fundraiser, joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the upcoming Mini Marathon in aid of the West Clare Cancer Centre.

The 26th West Clare Cancer Centre Mini Marathon will take place this Sunday.

The 28th of January will also mark the 26th anniversary of the event, which helps raise funds for the vital service provided by the West Clare Cancer Centre for cancer patients and their families in their time of need.

Picture (c) West Clare Cencer Centre

The year 2000 was momentous on the sporting field for St. Flannan’s College. The Ennis school’s senior hurlers won the Harty Cup, which sealed a precious three-in-a-row following Harty Cup success in 1998 and 1999.

It was only the third time in the history of the competition that St. Flannan’s had achieved a three-in-a-row.

After twenty-five years, players across the three panels are coming back together for a special reunion at St. Flannan’s College this coming Saturday.

Dermot Gleeson, a player in 1998 and captain in 1999; Gerry Quinn, a player in 1998 and 1999; and Tomás Mac Conmara, a player in 1998 and 1999, all joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus.

The Citizen's Assembly on Drug Use says it wants to see a whole-government approach to the issue to help stem the increase in drug addiction.

The group has published its final report, following what it calls the most comprehensive examination ever undertaken of drugs

use in Ireland."

The Assembly agreed on 36 recommendations on how to tackle the issue, including a degree of decriminalisation of some drugs for personal use.

To discuss this further on Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Guerin, addiction counsellor at Cuan Mhuire in Bruree, and Julie McKenna, Novas’ MidWest Head of Research Policy, who's involved with homeless drug programmes in Clare.

Photo (c) by Getty Images Pro via Canva

A jobs boost is on the way for Shannon with the acquisition of one of its leading companies. Modular Automation has been acquired by newly-established Automated Industrial Robotics, which is backed by major US investment company ARES management. The Shannon employer currently has a team of roughly 150, but the acquisition will see the creation of new roles. CEO of Modular Automation Vivian Farrell says as the company expands, new jobs will come on stream in a variety of areas.

A Clare Government TD says he will only support calls for an A&E to be reopened in Ennis, if the prospect is backed by clinical advice. University Hospital Limerick broke the national overcrowding record once again on Monday, where more than half of the 261 patients to attend the Emergency Department on the day where left waiting on chairs and trolleys. No elective operations have taken place at UHL this week and despite the reoccurring situation, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has ruled out the provision of an elective only hospital or a second ED for the MidWest region. Meelick Deputy and Oireachtas Health Committee member Cathal Crowe believes the best interim solution is to increase capacity of the Medical Assessment and Local Injury Units in Ennis.

Welcome to another episode of Clare Women in Business on Clare FM.

The Clare Jam Company is a family business established in 1986 and produces preserves and condiments, all steeped in a long-standing artisan heritage.

The business is situated near Doolin overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Aran Islands on the Burren Way and Wild Atlantic Way.

Vera Muir is founder and managing director the Clare Jam Company.