Clare Fm - Podcasts

Helen Downes Shannon Chamber

Superintendent Eddie Golden On Safe Driving At Christmas

Frankie Coote Advice For Dogs Over Christmas

Karen Foley On Sustainable Christmas Shopping

Brenda Breathnach of Clare Haven On Domestic Violence Calls At Christmas

Dennis Carty Xmas SVP

Pat Clarke Browne On Xmas Tech

It's claimed a national housing strategy is needed to boost supply in Clare's industrial town. In the last year, some employers have taken the step to provide their own accommodation given scaricities in the area, such as Atlantic Aviation Group acquiring the former Jamaca Inn in Sixmilebridge. On the rental front, Shannon has surpassed Ennis as the most expensive place to rent in this county, with the average montly price facing a new tenancy now above €1,400. Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes says a minimum of 50,000 new homes every year is needed.

A Clare technology expert is recommending parents set timers on internet access where possible, as a means of limiting kids screen time over the Christmas period. Gaming consoles, phones and tablets will all be in high demand as Christmas presents, with some systems having built in parental lock settings. Pat Clarke Browne from Munster Business in Shannon claims restriction on internet access is a more productive measure, as it allows for kids to leave their rooms and receive much needed social engagement He says limits on internet access also reduces the volume of supervision required of kids online activity.

Clare County Council is encouraging people to transform leftovers into other meals over the Christmas period. Each year, households accumulate an average of 120kg of food waste, amounting to a cost of up to €700 for families. Alongside purchasing what you need, the local authority is advising people to create different recipes to use up excess food and reduce the amount thrown into bins. Environmental Awareness Officer, Karen Foley says making a list of essential items when shopping can also help reduce food waste.

Clare's County Dog Warden is issuing a reminder of the dangers of acquiring pets outside of official sellers. Statistics for last month show that over 50 abandoned dogs were taken in by Clare's Dog Shelter. Pets are a common Christmas gift, with online sales seeing a surge in recent years. County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says care should be taken when arranging any purchase.

Kilrush RNLI is advising people to check weather and underfoot conditions when venturing out on coastal walks during the Christmas break. As part of its campaign to promote safety near coasts in conjunction with the Irish Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland, people are reminded to take a fully charged phone out with them and to be aware of hazardous conditions near cliff edges. If you, or a member of your party gets into difficulty, the RNLI can be contacted by dialing 999 or 112 and requesting the coast guard. Kilrush RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Charlie Glynn says people shouldn't be hesitant about calling in a potential emergency and shouldn't put themselves in danger in an attempted rescue.

A reminder is being issued to people in Clare that mental health supports are "for everybody" as the New Year approaches. An EU-wide study conducted this year found that 20% of Irish people feel lonely more or all of the time which is the highest rate in Europe, with the average being just 13%. The HSE is advising those who are encountering emotional issues in any form over this period to contact their local GP, mental health team, Shannondoc at 0818 123 500, Pieta House at 1800 247 247, Samaritans at 116 123, or any other mental health charity. Suicide Prevention Resource Officer with HSE Midwest Mick Collins says you don't need to be in crisis to seek out someone to talk to.

Clare shoppers are being reminded that by buying local, they're supporting the employees of a business as well as the business itself. Ennis Chamber and Shannon Airport Group have partnered again this year to present the 'Buy Local Fly Local' campaign aimed at encouraging people to support local businesses and opt for Shannon Airport when booking flights. Over 40 Clare outlets have taken part in the campaign. Ennis Chamber Chief Executive Officer Margaret O'Brien says she believes most people understand the positive impact of spending money locally.

An Ennis-based treatment facility is urging people to be respectful of people's decision not to drink alcohol over the festive period. With alcohol present at many social gatherings over Christmas, it can be a difficult time for people who have started on the road to recovery from alcohol addiction. Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre recommends that for those in recovery, it can be best practice to avoid social settings where staying off alcohol is stigmatised. Deputy Manager, Maedhbh Firmino da Silva Santos says its best practice not to pressure people into consuming alcohol.

Clare Gardaí are warning people not to drink and drive over the festive period, claiming that the likelihood of being caught under the influence behind the wheel is 'higher than ever'. Of those found over the limit at Garda checkpoints, offenders are on average three times over the legal limit for alcohol, while those found under the influence of cannabis and cocaine were both six times above the limit. So far this year, 171 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, with eight of those incidents occurring in December. Head of the Roads Policing Unit of the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division, Superintendent Eddie Golden, is imploring that people don't drink while intoxicated to ensure the number doesn't increase come the end of 2024.

The Clare branch of Saint Vincent De Paul says its expecting to receive a large swathe of calls in the coming week after Christmas, as families try to tackle the rising cost of the holiday. Throughout 2024 to this point, Clare SVP has fielded 250,000 calls for assistance and expects a further 5,000 over the festive season to aid more than 1,500 households. On average, households are expected to spend €1,170 across the Christmas period, more than has been the case in previous years. Clare SVP Area President, Denis Carty, says what is a time of joy for most people can prove to be incredibly stressful for low income families.

Clare Haven is expecting an increase in calls to the service over the Christmas period. The support service says the festive season can be an extremely stressful period for those experiencing domestic abuse, due to added financial pressures alongside existing issues. Domestic violence services operate 365 days a year, and as such, will be available over the holidays. Acting Manager of Services at Clare Haven, Brenda Breathnach says just because its Christmas, it doesn't mean domestic violence stops occurring.

An East Clare member of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is warning that in the days following Christmas Day, blood stocks will see a stark countrywide deduction. With 67% of blood stocks used to support cancer treatments and further vast quantities used to support childbirth, stocks will be depleated over the festive period with hospitals only able to hold fresh blood for three to five days. Broadford native and IBTS Donor Recruitment Executive, Alex O'Connor says the donation clinic in Treacy's West County on December 27th is vital to replenish stock. He's warning that although stocks have recovered from pre amber alert levels, robust measures need to be put in place just after Christmas to prevent levels falling to this threshold.

The Church of Ireland Bishop for Clare is urging people to walk in the shoes of those who are trapped in poverty this Christmas. This festive season, close to 128,000 people will be celebrating the holiday season in their own way. The latest available local authority figures show, however, there were 109 adults and 40 children living in homeless shelters in Clare as the year draws to a close, a rise of 20% on the same time last year. Bishop of Killaloe, Limerick and Tuam, Michael Burrows says without truly imagining what it's like not to be be able to make economic choices, we can't understand what it's like for those who are powerless this Christmas.