Clare FM

The planning stage for a long-awaited Ennis housing development has been completed. Ennis Municipal District has confirmed the Causeway Quarter project on Francis Street can now proceed to construction stage subject to funding. The 39-unit development had been held up due to the presence of an illegal encampment on the site. Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly, who requested an update on the project t...

A Clare TD fears artists in this county will inadvertently be discriminated against in the selection process of a Government support scheme. The 2026 to 2029 edition of the Basic Income for the Arts Scheme will provide €325 a week to 2,000 artists selected at random. A total of 54 Clare artists benefitted from the pilot version of the scheme introduced in 2022. Speaking in the Dáil, Bodyke Fine Ga...

Shannon four-piece soft rock band Sinéad and The Bugs have released their first single, “Call It Happy Hour”. The band features Sinéad Walsh (vocals and guitar), Sam O’Malley (drums), Robert Park (bass), and Igor Zurakowaski (lead guitar). The track explores short-lived relationships and emotional “happy hour” moments, delivered through their signature storytelling style. Photo (c) Clare FM

A new community-led initiative aimed at restoring and protecting Clare's peatlands has been launched at The Common Knowledge Centre in Kilfenora. "Peatlands in Practice" will see ecologists, educators, cultural practitioners and local communities come together over the next six months through free tours, workshops and events focused on restoring bog habitats, preserving local heritage and tackling...

The State Examinations Commission has apologised after an error was discovered in this year's Leaving Certificate Higher Level Biology paper. While teachers and students have generally described the exam as fair and accessible, a mistake in a genetics question caused confusion for some candidates. To discuss the paper, the SEC's response, what it means for students, and the Leaving Cert in general...

A unique evening of storytelling is coming to East Clare. Balor Otherworld will be bringing tales from the land, the old ways and beyond to Alfa Steiner Secondary School in East Clare on Saturday, June 13th. The evening promises stories inspired by Irish mythology and folklore, with themes of nature, imagination and the rich traditions of Ireland's Otherworld. Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to tel...

Ireland's largest inclusive sporting event is almost here, with more than 1,200 athletes from across the country preparing to compete in the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026 in Dublin from June 18th to 21st.   Among them will be athletes from County Clare's Shannon Flyers Special Olympics Sports Club, a volunteer-led club that provides year-round sporting opportunities for people with in...

Concerns have been raised locally about the potential impact on sporting and recreational facilities at St Flannan's College if plans proceed to relocate St Joseph's Hospital onto lands associated with the college. A motion before this month's meeting of the Ennis Municipal District is calling for greater clarity, public engagement and assurances that important community amenities and sporting inf...

Clare bodybuilders are working to revive Ireland’s national bodybuilding federation, aiming to rebuild structure and support for athletes competing both at home and internationally. Among those leading the effort is Clare athlete Ewelina Hrynkiewicz, who recently returned from the European Championships with two silver medals. To reflect on competing at elite level, the challenges Irish bodybuildi...

The Summer Festival at Vandeleur Walled Garden is set to return to Kilrush from June 26th to 28th, promising three days of music, comedy, family entertainment and community celebration in one of Clare's most beautiful settings. This year's line-up features internationally acclaimed singer Brian Kennedy, the legendary Kilfenora Céilí Band, comedian Bernard Casey and a host of local favourites. To t...

Coastal erosion and rising sea levels are posing an increasing threat to communities around Ireland, and a new report from the University of Galway is warning that urgent action is needed. The study estimates that thousands of properties and hundreds of kilometres of roads are already at risk and calls for a national masterplan to help communities adapt to the challenges ahead. To discuss the find...

This weekend, County Clare will join communities across Europe in celebrating European Archaeology Days, a three-day event highlighting the importance of archaeology and heritage through walks, talks, exhibitions and hands-on activities. Taking place from June 12th to 14th, this year's programme has a particular focus on heritage at risk and encouraging young people to engage with the fascinating...

An approved variation to Clare’s County Development Plan is being hailed as a win for the county. The move sees an additional 250 acres of land zoned for housing countywide, while a further 350 acres of strategic residential reserve sites have been unlocked for immediate use. Questions have been raised over whether this will make any difference given Clare’s serious wastewater deficits, with 50 to...

The Taoiseach has pledged to intervene on a West Clare's school bid to expedite an upgrade of its toilet facilities. It's after Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe raised the case of St Joseph's Secondary School in Spanish Point in the Dáil. It was claimed the school currently has 216 female students sharing just four cubicles between them and that a request to build an additional ten was approved b...

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets some Clare people who are making new lives for themselves in the land down under. We’ll hear from a few who left the Banner for a better life in ‘The Lucky Country’, Australia.

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined live in-studio once again by Tommy Corbett of Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. Tommy Corbett spoke about financial considerations for co-habiting couples when it comes to life insurance and pensions. Image (c) Clare FM

Residents of Doonbeg are being invited to help shape the future of their community through a new public consultation aimed at developing an ambitious five-year plan for the village. The survey is seeking ideas on social, economic and environmental initiatives that could make Doonbeg an even better place to live, work and socialise. To discuss the project and what it could mean for the area, Alan M...

In a relatively short time, The Nook & Hobby, located in Ennis, has become more than just a place to pick up the latest cards, miniatures, and dice. The shop, which opened at the beginning of May, has evolved into a gathering place for a growing community of players, hobbyists, and newcomers who share a passion for tabletop gaming. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dan Slattery, the ow...

With music, family fun and activities for all ages, Ruan Summer Fest has become a highlight of the August bank holiday weekend. Organised entirely by local volunteers, the festival is a true community effort, bringing people together from across the village and beyond. Gavin McGibley, committee chair, joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the star-studded line-up and activities planned for the weekend....

Family carers across Ireland are facing growing financial pressure, increasing isolation and significant challenges accessing essential services, according to a major new report published by Family Carers Ireland. The State of Caring 2026 report found that more than seven in ten carers are struggling to make ends meet, while almost half experience severe loneliness. Joining Alan Morrissey earlier...

There's a call for action against Ennis business owners who allow their properties to fall into disrepair.    The latest meeting of Ennis Municipal District has heard a call from Mayor of Ennis, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, for traders to be compelled to keep their premises in a good state of repair in the context of the recently completed public realm works.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at t...

The Clare Immigrant Support Centre claims new legislation relating to social housing and residency status won't "exclude anyone who wasn't already excluded". The Housing Minister has introduced a bill which requires applicants for social housing to be lawfully and habitually resident in Ireland. Residency requirements have long existed in practice but will now be in effect on a statutory basis. Cl...

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fergal O’Keeffe, Ennis Native and creator of Travel Tales with Fergal podcast. Fergal recounted his travels in Alentejo in Portugal to distract us from the current bad weather. Photo (c) Clare FM

Colm Liddy, local author and historian was back in-studio on Tuesday’s Morning Focus for our regular history in focus slot. This week Colm continued telling Alan Morrissey the fascinating history of Clare during the Great Famine. Photo (c) Clare FM

With many people concerned about whether they're saving enough for retirement, and with ongoing economic uncertainty prompting questions about pensions, investments and long-term financial planning, Shannon Chamber is hosting a special investment planning event in Shannon next week in partnership with Cantor Fitzgerald.    The event will focus on retirement planning, wealth management, and current...