Clare FM

Clarecastle Fianna Fáil councillor, Tom O’Callaghan is calling for new measures to tackle the misuse of disabled parking spaces. He recently brought a motion before Clare County Council proposing a text alert system that would allow members of the public to report vehicles illegally parked in disabled bays directly to traffic wardens for enforcement. The council says it supports the idea in principle and will now carry out a feasibility assessment, including looking at how similar schemes operate in other areas. Councillor O’Callaghan spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Yarova from Yarova via Canva

Clare Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State, Timmy Dooley, will spend this St. Patrick’s Day representing the Irish Government in Canada. As part of the Government’s global St. Patrick’s Day programme, which sees Ministers in more than 50 countries promoting Ireland’s economy, trade links and diaspora connections, the Tulla-based Minister is attending a series of official events across Western Canada. Alan Morrissey spoke with Minister Dooley earlier, about his busy few days of engagements celebrating Irish culture while also strengthening economic and political ties between Ireland and Canada, as well as the Taoiseach’s trip to the White House, and other matters of importance... For more on this also, Alan was joined live by the Shannon Sinn Féin TD, Donna McGettigan... Photo (c) Alleksana Pixels Images via Canva

A High Court ruling clearing the way for a controversial large scale infrastructure project in Ennis is being described as "brilliant news for Clare". Art Data Centres can now proceed with works to build a €1.6bn facility on the Tulla Road after a judicial review stalling the development was quashed last week. The 200 Mega-Watt centre is expected to create over 1,200 jobs during construction and a further 475 when fully operational. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly believes it will be a major boost for the town.

Clare senior football manager Paul Madden says he's frustrated by his side's first half performance which proved costly in The Banner's promotion hunt in the National Football League. A spirited second half display, where Clare outscored their opponents 2-11 to 0-5, wasn't enough as Wexford claimed a three point win in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg. The result paired with Westmeath's victory over Limerick means Clare will again remain in Division 3 for the 2027 campaign. Madden says they let the game get away from them in the second quarter.

Clare U20 Football boss Dermot Coughlan says he's pleased his side were able to make the most of having home advantage in their Munster Championship opener. The Banner kicked off their campaign with a 1-16 to 1-11 victory over Tipperary in Quilty. Clare were spurred on by 1-6 from the boot of Sean Fennell, while Daire Culligan added a further seven points from full forward. Coughlan says the result provides the platform for his side to kick on for the rest of the championship.

There's a call for 25% of levies paid by developers in Clare to be invested in the vicinity of the development. A recently passed motion by the local authority has called for a percentage of development contributions to remain in the town in which the project is taking place. The levy currently is in place for the purpose of providing public infrastructure and facilities including works on roads, car parks and recreational areas. Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe says keeping funding in the local area is vital.

It's claimed the lack of dementia-specific care beds in Clare is a significant burden on affected families. It's estimated that up to 1,700 people in this county and around 64,000 nationally are living with dementia, with the national figure set to rise to over 150,000 by 2045. At this month's Clare County Council meeting, local representatives heard of an elderly woman currently being transferred between St John's Hospital and Nenagh due to a lack of beds. Newmarket-on-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor, David Griffin says it's causing increased stress in an already challenging situation.

On this week’s programme Fr Brendan Quinlivan speaks to Bishop Ger Nash of Ferns who reflects on the challenge of added responsibilities he recently received from Pope Leo who named him as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory Diocese. Fr. Brendan Coffey OSB reflects on the origins of Lent and historian Dr. Brian Lacey explores a deeper understanding of St. Patrick.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunda Prayer for Sunday 15th March 2026 the 4th Sunday of Lent.

Clare County Council's Arts Office insists it's working to support and encourage as much creative activity as possible outside of the county's large towns. The Clare County Arts Officer has this week presented the Clare Arts Plan for 2026 to 2029 to the county's local elected representatives. Following the presentation, Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan questioned if efforts are being made to encourage artistic endeavours in south-east Clare. Siobhan Mulcahy says while they're always looking to do more, many initiatives are currently being run by the local authority in this part of the county.

A warning has been issued to those travelling to Clare's waterways this weekend that the recent inclement weather could create potentially lethal conditions. The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI have issued a joint water safety appeal urging people to stay safe in, on or near the water in the coming days. Recent data revealed 65% of accidental drownings were preceded by land-based activities like walking, angling and hiking. Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Charlie Glynn says assessing weather conditions before approaching the water is crucial.

Coming up on the show, we look ahead to big weekend for the Clare senior and U20 footballers, while Rice College are bidding for All Ireland football glory We will hear from Diarmaid Nash ahead of his All Ireland singles handball final, hear from Spanish Point after their brilliant All Ireland semi final win and look ahead to Clare's National Camogie League clash with Down; while Alan Troy will be along with Greyhound Focus

Groev (pronounced 'Grove') are a Galway-based indie/folk band known for their warm, folky melodies, catchy hooks, and heartfelt storytelling. Groev formed in 2024, playing pubs to pay the bills and working on their original music. They released their debut single, Ben and Jerry’s, via Mahogany Songs in May 2025, and soon after supported Jamie McIntyre on his Irish and UK tour dates. Their biggest single to date, Tara Grove (released August 2025), has amassed over 200,000 Spotify streams. In November of last year, they embarked on their first national tour, which included sold-out shows upstairs at Róisín Dubh and upstairs in Whelan’s. Similar sound to Kodaline, Amble, and Kingfishr. Groev released "Subtle," their first love song and latest single, on Feb. 27, following the success of "Tara Grove," which surpassed 200,000 Spotify streams. Rory from the band said the song evolved organically during the writing process. "'Subtle' found its feet over time," he said. "Initially, I had no clue what I was writing, but then I started connecting with it through getting to know someone, not knowing what to do but just being happy." The track explores early romance through small, intimate moments. Opening with the line "Saw her smoking underneath the light / I asked her hand, but she wanted mine," the song captures autumn rain, skipping stones, and moonlit conversations between two people before life gets complicated. The release follows Groev's selection for Whelan's Ones to Watch 2026 as the band prepares for a busy year.

A Clare garda superintendent says there's no group in society more likely to be found driving under the influence as roads policing operations for the St Patrick's Weekend get underway. Gardaí began monitoring routes across the county at 7am on Thursday and will have checkpoints in place until the same time on Wednesday. Over this weekend last year, 2,650 drivers were detected for speeding offences, with 214 arrests taking place, while two people lost their lives and eight received serious or life-threatening injuries in collisions. Superintendent with the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division Eddie Golden has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons everyone should take responsibility for their own actions while encouraging those around them to make the right decisions.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch sat down with Alan Morrissey in studio for our sports preview slot on Friday's Morning Focus. Games Previewed: Munster U20 Football Championship Round One: Clare v Tipperary (Saturday, Pairc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty, 2pm) National Football League Division Three: Clare v Wexford (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 1pm)

Nell Stritch from Clonlara, founder of Pressed Flowers by Nell, has been named Flower Preservation Supplier of the Year 2026 at the WeddingsOnline Awards. Her business transforms bridal bouquets into bespoke pressed-flower artworks, allowing couples to preserve the flowers from their wedding day as lasting keepsakes. To tell us more, Nell joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus.

The Government is introducing a new tax relief scheme allowing people to claim money back on certain health treatments and consultations provided by pharmacists. The measure is being implemented immediately, with Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris saying it will be formally included in the Finance Bill later this year. To find out more about the scheme, and how beneficial it will be, Audrey Rochford, from Rochford's Pharmacy joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus.

With more people in Ireland reflecting on their relationship with alcohol, St Patrick’s Day offers an opportunity to celebrate in a different way. To discuss the growing shift towards moderation and how people can approach the Bank Holiday with greater awareness, Alan Morrissey was delighted to chat with Meadhbh Firmino da Silva Santos, Manager of Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Iustina stancius via Canva

There’s been significant debate in recent days over the promotional poster for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Shannon. The design, which promotes the theme “Celebrate the Cultures of Shannon,” has sparked strong reactions online, with some praising the focus on inclusivity and others questioning whether it shifts the emphasis away from Ireland’s national day and its traditions. The parade is organised by Shannon Community Partnership in conjunction with Clare County Council, and organisers say the aim is to celebrate the diversity and community spirit of the town. To discuss the reaction and the plans for this year’s parade, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Vice Chair of Shannon Community Partnership, Don O’Sullivan. Photo (c) Shannon Community Partnership

There’s great pride in Quin this week as the village celebrates a major milestone winning a Gold Medal in the Tidy Towns competition. The award recognises years of dedication from volunteers and community members who have worked tirelessly to keep the village looking its best. Pat O’Brien, the new Chair of Quin Tidy Towns, had a chat with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus about what the achievement means for the community and how they hope to build on their gold standard in the years ahead. Photo (c) Quin Village Tidy Towns Facebook

Family and friends in O’Callaghan’s Mills are coming together on Sunday, 29th of March for a special tractor run to mark what would have been Jack Moloney’s 21st birthday. The event will celebrate Jack’s life by doing something he loved, while also raising funds for Headway, the organisation that supports people affected by brain injury. Jack’s mom, Martina Moloney, and his twin sister, Caoimhe, spoke with Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus to talk about Jack, the community support behind the event, and why this fundraiser means so much to their family. Photo (c) Irish Vintage Days And Ways

Oil prices have been rising sharply in recent weeks as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global energy supplies. The knock-on effects are now being felt much closer to home. Farmers are facing rising green diesel costs just as the silage season approaches, while coach operators say soaring fuel prices could significantly increase their annual running costs and put pressure on tourism and passenger services. Alan Morrissey spoke with Clare ICSA representative, Cratloe’s Eddie Punch, as well as Brian Farrell of Burren Coaches to get a sense of how the transport sector is viewing all of this. Photo (c) Petra Malaeru Images via Canva

A campaign group intending to formally object to plans for a new hospital in Limerick say the decision risks continuing "traumatic" experiences for Clare people into the future. The Midwest Hospital Campaign has revealed its intention to take a judicial review against the HSE's proposal to develop a new hospital campus on a 44-acre site in Raheen. It's understood the judicial review will be based on determining whether the decision-making process was fair, evidence-based and transparent. Ennis-based Midwest Hospital Campaign co-founder Hilary Tonge says the people at the coalface of the overcrowding crisis can't be forgotten.

A €1.3 million investment is expected to secure an Ennis athletics track as the "jewel in the crown" of Clare County Council when it comes to sporting facilities. The local authority has announced a major upgrade of the track and associated facilities at John O'Sullivan Park on Lees Road in the county town. The redevelopment, which will result in the temporary closure of the amenity, will include the installation of an internationally-recognised, high-performance track system with a 15-year lifespan. Clare County Council Senior Executive Officer for Sport and Recreation, Eoin Troy, says it'll make the park a strong contender in attracting regional competitions.

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with Keara Osborne, a remote worker based in Ennis and a member of the Grow Remote network. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Clare-based community educator Tejaswy Swathi is using art to start important conversations around women’s health as part of a national training programme focused on sustainability and social change. The initiative is connected to the Development Perspectives SDG Advocate Training, which supports educators and community leaders across the country in developing projects linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Tejaswy was on Thursday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey to tell us more. Photo (c) s-c-s Getty Images via Canva

Drama has a long tradition in the West Clare communities of Cooraclare and Cree. In Cooraclare, Tom McNamara produced an annual play for many years. Meanwhile, Cree had a very active drama group led by Michael Miescall, the grandfather of the now well-known actor Paul Mescal. After a brief revival in the early 2010s, the group reformed again in 2024 and has been bringing comedy productions back to local stages. This year they’re performing A Wake in the West, a play that captures the familiar humour and chaos of a traditional Irish wake. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with performer, Gerard Kelly. Photo (c) Cultúrlann Sweeney

Concerns are being raised about rising home insurance premiums and the difficulty some homeowners are facing in getting cover, particularly in areas flagged for potential flood risk. The issue was highlighted recently by the Shannon Banks Sinn Fein Councillor James Ryan, and he spoke with Alan Morrissey, along with Dominic Kiely, a resident of Shannon Banks on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Kamitana Studio via Canva

Used electric cars are becoming more affordable, with new data from DoneDeal showing they’re now typically priced below comparable diesel vehicles. Combined with lower running costs, and, given the rising costs for petrol and diesel, could it make the switch to electric more attractive for many drivers? Joining Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus to talk about the trend was John Casey, founder of the Clare EV Owners Club.

Professor Austin Stack is encouraging people to learn more about their kidney health as today marks World Kidney Day. Chronic kidney disease affects around one in ten adults in Ireland and is often described as a “silent condition,” with many people unaware they have it in the early stages. Health experts say early testing and awareness of the risk factors can make a huge difference. Professor Stack, a kidney specialist with UL Hospitals Group, joined Alan Morrissey on Morning Focus to talk about why kidney health is so important and what people can do to protect it. Alan also spoke to Sharon Fitzgerald, a kidney transplant recipient from Newmarket on Fergus, who is on the board of the Irish Kidney Association. Image © www.worldkidneyday.org

Since 2014, women have made up the majority of solicitors in Ireland, and that number continues to grow each year, with female solicitors now also forming the majority of trainees entering the profession. Across the country, women are building successful legal careers while contributing to thriving local communities. This year, the Law Society is encouraging female leaders in the solicitors' profession to share their stories, spark conversation and influence other women seeking careers in law. To share their stories, Alan Morrisey was joined in-studio by Avril Collentine, Solicitor at Cahir & Co. Solicitors and Clare Barry, Secretary of Clare Law Association. Image © Clare FM

Next month, a very special fundraiser will begin in memory of a little girl who touched the hearts of so many. Ronan Flanagan from Ennis is preparing to walk across Ireland — from his home in Ennis to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin — a journey his family made countless times during his daughter Mia’s treatment. Mia was just five years old when she sadly passed away in February last year after battling leukaemia. Through this walk, Miles for Mia, Ronan and his wife Ruth hope to honour her memory while raising vital funds for charities that support children with cancer and their families. Ronan and Ruth joined Alan Morrissey in studio to tell us about Mia, the journey ahead, and why this walk means so much to them. You can donate to the Fundraiser using the link below. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ronanflanagan1 Image © Walk to Crumlin In Memory of my daughter Mia Flanagan

At a time when we so often hear about historic buildings falling into dereliction, one West Clare community is proving what can be achieved with determination and local pride. St. Kieran’s Community Centre in Labasheeda, originally built as a church in 1837 has been given a fresh boost thanks to a new grant supporting ongoing restoration work. For more on this, Alan was joined in-studio by Liam Woulfe Image © Clare FM

The search is about to begin for the woman who will represent Clare at the Rose of Tralee International Festival in 2026. A launch and information evening for the Clare Rose Selection takes place tomorrow night (13th of March) at The Rine Hotel, giving anyone interested the chance to learn more about the process and what’s involved. Alan Morrissey was joined by organiser Aódán Fox and Aisling O’Connor, who shared her own experience of representing the county. Image © Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus

There’s been strong reaction across County Clare this week after the government confirmed the acquisition of the 43-acre site in Limerick, rather than in Clare, with a view to developing a new hospital campus aimed at tackling overcrowding in the Midwest. A new petition is now calling for land to be acquired for an acute hospital in the Banner County — and for accountability from the Health Minister. Alan Morrissey spoke with Deirdre Culligan, the woman behind the petition to find out just how the decision to put a new hospital in Limerick could affect Clare people, he also spoke with Kilkee Resident, Cillian Murphy, to hear how West Clare residents are reacting to the news. Image © fandicreations via Canva

A "vacuum" of Garda resources is said to be leading to a failure to tackle criminality in east Clare. Clare County Council has voted to call on the Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner to conduct a review of the Garda divisional structures. The operating model introduced in August 2023 means some villages in the east of the county are policed by gardaí based at Nenagh Garda Station. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes insists no gardaí responsible for Clare should be leaving the county or travelling from elsewhere.

No new bus shelters were installed in Clare last year. Figures released by the Department of Transport show 2024 was the last time a shelter was put in place in this county. The data shows 31 such structures have been erected in Clare since 2018 however which is the seventh highest figure nationwide. Ennis Green Party representative Bridget Ginnity believes the drop-off is down to the change of government.

A campaign group established to protect a prominent Ennis nature reserve from proposed developments is hopeful a recently withdrawn plan is the "very last" project suggested for the area. Clare County Council has confirmed the planned boardwalk over the Post Office Field in Ennis will be omitted from the County Development Plan if its proposed variation is adopted. Asked if the omission means no further proposals for the site will be put forward, the Mayor of Clare, Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy, has said "you can't rule anything in or out". Chairperson of the 'Hands Off Ennis Post Office Field' campaign, Martin Vernon, believes it must "left to nature".

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, meets a singer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist from Ennis. Emer O’Flaherty has two passions in life, music and the Irish language. Her début solo album, ‘Go dtí seo’ features original songs as Gaeilge, sean-nós arrangements and instrumental works.

Following another summer of intensive research, cross country trekking, careful photography and long local conversation, Cumann Forbartha Phobal Chill Iníne Baoith will launch their 3rd exhibition of local Kilnaboy placenames in Kilnaboy School Hall on Friday, 13th March at 2.00 pm. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Declan Kelleher and Francis Whelan on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

This year celebrates 27 years of the Kildysart Drama Group, and they are preparing for their production of 'Drinking Habits' by Tom Smith which will take place this weekend. Daragh Leamy from the Morning Focus team travelled to the West Clare village to meet with Frankie O'Shea, Michelle Cogley, Kevin Meaney and Kerry Carrig. Photo (c) Daragh Leamy

Parteen Basin Pipeline Clare's local elected representatives have urged Clare County Council to be "stronger" in its condemnation of a proposed pipeline between the River Shannon and Dublin. The Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region, which would see an average of 2% of the River Shannon's flow at the Parteen Basin abstracted to serve the drinking water demand of the Greater Dublin Area, was a dominant topic of discussion at this week's meeting of the local authority. Elected members were asked to approve Chief Executive Gordon Daly's report on the effects of the proposed development on Clare. While the report states the project presents "some concerns" for the county and offers "no direct water supply benefit", some present described the report as "mild-mannered" and "lenient". It was agreed that an amendment penned by Killaloe Municipal District's elected representatives stating their opposition to the project will be included as an appendix to the report which will now be submitted to Uisce Éireann. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley about his concerns. And for more on this, Alan Morrissey has been speaking with the Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor, Tony O’Brien. Image © Ranslynn Designs via Canva

As communities across Clare prepare to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, there are plenty of family-friendly events taking place across the county. In Sixmilebridge, final preparations are underway for the annual Sixmilebridge St Patrick’s Day Parade, which gets underway from Mount Ievers at 12:45 on the day with this year’s theme “Big Dreams, Bright Futures.” In Fanore, the finishing touches are being added to their St Patrick's Day celebrations which kick off on the 15th of March at 2pm for Fanore Beach, there are lots of exciting events to look forward to like DJ John Carey with live music and possibly a circus surprise. Meanwhile, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park will be hosting a special Shamrocks and Shenanigans celebration this Sunday, featuring traditional music, Irish dancing, family entertainment and even a chance to meet St Patrick himself. Alan Morrissey was joined on Morning Focus by Anne Pilkington from the Fanore Parade, PJ Ryan from the Sixmilebridge St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park to find out more. Image © Sixmilebridge St. Patricks Day

Urgent solutions are being sought to combat serious road safety issues plaguing a Clare community. Clarecastle residents have raised concerns over a growing volume of Heavy Goods Vehicles speeding through a local road which is being used as a rat run. It's understood vehicles are leaving the main Ennis to Kildysart Road to join the Claremount Road and access the Old Limerick Road through Clarecastle village rather than getting caught in traffic at Clareabbey Roundabout. Mayor of Clare and Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's an accident waiting to happen. Image © iStock

The Health Minister has pledged to enhance services at Ennis Hospital but has given no commitment to emergency care in Clare. Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has described a new “strategic site” acquired in Limerick to solve hospital overcrowding in the MidWest as “HIQA’s Option B and C Plus.” The Minister has described the €14 million, 43.8 acre site in Raheen as a strategic site for the MidWest Health system for the next thirty years, located a 28 minute drive away from Ennis and Nenagh. Over 40% of Clare’s population lives more than an hour’s drive from their nearest Emergency Department and the Minister said her vision for Ennis’s progression is similar to that of Bantry General Hospital in Cork, which doesn’t have an ED or proposals for one. Despite this, Minister Carroll MacNeill insists Clare “was at the centre of their plans” in the MidWest. However, health campaigners here have expressed "anger and deep frustration" following the announcement that a site has been identified for a new hospital campus for the Midwest. The Friends of Ennis Hospital claims 130,000 people in Clare along with a further 80,000 in Tipperary will see limited benefit from the hospital being located in the city. Alan spoke with Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe and Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney about the announcement Image © Alan Place

Shannon Airport is remaining hopeful its planned improvements will result in new routes from the facility in the near future. The Clare base has been included in the €45 million Regional Airports Programme for 2026 to 2030 which will assist it with its €15 million upgrade of its airport terminal. The facility is set to see 40,000 passengers fly through it across the St Patrick's Day period, marking a 7% increase on last year. Shannon Airport Director Niall Kearns says every upgrade that takes place makes it more attractive to airlines.

The additional of a new €350,000 emergency tender fire appliance to Clare County Fire and Rescue Service's fleet is being hailed as a strong vote of confidence from the Government. The vehicle will be permanently based at Ennis Fire Station and will assist members in responding to road traffic collisions, road hazards, river rescues and hazardous materials incidents. The station currently boasts two Class B fire appliances, a Bronto aerial rescue vehicle a water tanker and a four-wheel-drive van. The new appliance has been funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Clare County Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly says it significantly bolsters their resources.

Clare's opposition TD has slammed the Health Minister's decision to locate a new hospital in Limerick as "extremely disappointing." Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy Donna McGettigan says Clare's government members now need to step up.

The Health Minister has pledged to enhance services at Ennis Hospital, but has given no commitment to emergency care in Clare. During her official announcement today, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has described a new "strategic site" acquired in Limerick to solve hospital overcrowding in the MidWest as "HIQA's Option B and C Plus." Health Minister Jennifer Carrol MacNeill visited Limerick this morning, where she confirmed details of the Midwest's new hospital. The Minister has described the €14 million, 43.8 acre site in Raheen as a strategic site for the MidWest Health system for the next thirty years, located a 28 minute drive away from Ennis and Nenagh. Her next step will be to appoint a project development board, which will develop healthcare services for the overall region and a report is due to be published later this year that will recommend additional services are provided in Clare. Last September, the Department of Health pledged to progress all three of HIQA's recommendations to solve hospital overcrowding in the region. The options included expanding the University Hospital Limerick Campus, extending the campus to another nearby site and delivering a new Model 3 hospital with a new ED in the MidWest. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill believes Option B and C can be delivered in Raheen. During her announcement today, which Clare media were not invited to attend, the Minister said emergency care in the region had to be expanded and that having two model 4 hospitals within 10 minutes of each other was a possibility. She also hasn't ruled out moving the maternity hospital to the Raheen site. Over 40% of Clare's population lives more than an hour's drive from their nearest Emergency Department and the Minister said her vision for Ennis's progression is similar to that of Bantry General Hospital in Cork, which doesn't have an ED or proposals for one. Despite this, Minister Carroll MacNeill insists Clare "was at the centre of their plans" in the MidWest.

The construction of a long-awaited inner relief road in Ennis is expected to pave the way for "hundreds" of new homes. Clare County Council has confirmed that the proposed route connecting the Tulla Road and Gort Road remains on the agenda and is intended to be delivered within the next decade. A 520-metre stretch of the planned Ennis Northern Inner Relief Road link in the townland of Dulick was unveiled in May 2018. The road, which connects the Gort Road to the Ennis Information Age Park Building and the Clare Technology Park, was intended to be the first phase of the overall plan to build a link to the Tulla Road. Eight years on, the county town is no closer to seeing this project come to fruition, prompting Fianna Fáil councillors Clare Colleran-Molloy, Tom O'Callaghan and Antoinette Baker-Bashua to seek an update at this week's Clare County Council meeting. The local authority has stated that the project is included in the completed Local Transport Plan as well as the upcoming proposed variation to the County Development Plan. Councillor O'Callaghan says this means it's guaranteed to get funding. The council estimates that the overall project delivery time "with favourable timely decisions" would be "of the order of five to eight years". It's also revealed that it's considering a phased delivery with the section north of 'The Maples' towards 'Clauin Ros Leamháin' progressed as the first phase, followed by the section to the west including the railway crossing. This first phase, it says, could be completed in three to five years, while the overall scheme would cost 10 to 15 million euro "at current market rates". The progression of the project would give access to 7.5 hectares of zoned residential lands, which could result in the construction of roughly 260 homes. Councillor Baker-Bashua says it's a crucial development for this reason alone.