It's claimed new guidelines are restricting Clare Special Needs Assistants from helping children in the classroom. It comes as the Department of Education has also been requested to carry out a full review of additional needs school spaces in this county. A circular issued by the Department of Education in May states the role of the SNA is to support the care needs of a child and that responsibility for the overall progress of students lies with the classroom teacher. A recent report by the he National Council for Special Education has also indicated that SNAs should have no role in assisting children with behavioural difficulties, causing outcry in Clare. The local authority has now requested that Minister Helen McEntee calls for an urgent meeting with the NCSE to resolve the issues. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and SNA, Antoinette Baker Bashua believes it's a glaring policy error.

It's claimed small and medium enterprises in Clare are losing the equivalent of 58 working days every year in unnecessary HR tasks. A new report from HR Locker estimates that companies are spending an average of €22,000 annually due to inefficient administration. The responses from over 100 firms nationwide indicate that businesses are spending at least 16 hours a week on wasteful errands. HR Locker CEO Crystel Robbins Rynne says outdated information systems are preventing progress.

An Ennis GP insists practical tools can be acquired by women to allow them to "thrive" in their later years. For the second year in a row, glór will play host to a free public information on World Menopause Day 2025 this Saturday the 18th of October from 9am. Supported by Creative Ireland and Healthy Clare, the event offers a programme designed to foster community wellbeing while offering advice on areas like health, nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being during perimenopause and menopause. Dr Máire Finn of Ennis Medical says it will be a friendly environment where people can ask questions and gain valuable knowledge.

A decision on a design for pedestrian and cycling facilities at the Clareabbey Roundabout is believed to be "imminent". Ennis Municipal District has confirmed a preliminary design for a remodelling of the notorious junction located between Clarecastle and Ennis has been submitted to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for approval. It's understood a decision on this is "imminent" and the plans will proceed to the statutory consent process before Christmas, at which point the proposed works will be presented for public consultation. Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy believes the existence of a timeline is a cause for hope.

A review of available school places for children with additional needs has been requested in Clare. It's after the local authority backed a proposal calling for the Department of Education to analyse the current and projected future capacity for school places, staffing and facilities. The report will focus on reducing journey times, travel burdens and costs for families. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says the current state of affairs is causing severe stress and complications.

Almost a third of employees in Clare failed to take their full annual leave entitlements last year. A new report from FRS recruitment shows 31% of workers in this county did not use their full allocation of holidays in 2024. The survey also found that 2 in 5 people affected were not able to carry days over. Head of Technical Engineering & Life Science at FRS Gwen Leydon says staff often feel guilty about taking time off.

Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem are set to take over Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this October Bank Holiday Weekend from the 25th - 27th of October, turning the popular County Clare attraction into a frightfully fun Halloween village.

Adrienne O Flynn, Sales and Marketing Manager joined Alan Morrissey to fill us in on what people can expect.

Photo (c) Hospitality Ireland

The festival, in honour of the late, great Horslips guitarist and Shannon man, will be taking place in his hometown this coming weekend. One of the bands that will be playing the event is XIII Doors.

Like Johnny Fean, XIII Doors hail from Shannon, and their appearance at the festival will be their debut show in their hometown, and in Clare!

To find out more, DJ O’Sullivan and Pat "Pablo" Byrne joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus.

Danny Lynch, Chef at Le Cheile, Barefield was back again with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus.

This week, Danny treats us to a delicious Fish Cake, Chowder and Guinness and Walnut Bread.

Kieran Fanning, a writer and primary school teacher from Co. Meath, returns with his latest book.

In Enchanted Ireland: An Atlas of Magical Stories from Every County, Kieran once again pays a visit to every county in Ireland, told through 32 magical stories.

Kieran Fanning joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus.

Book Cover (c) Julia Iredale