Clare Opposition TD Calls On Oireachtas Members To Oppose Controversial Gas Terminal

Suicide Forum Facilitating Deaths Of Vulnerable People In Ireland

If you have been affected by this story, or need support, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123, Call Pieta’s 24-hour Crisis Helpline on Free Phone 1800 247 247, or Text 'HELP' to 51444, or you can visit Your Mental Health for information on mental health services in Ireland. An investigation by The Journal has uncovered that a suicide forum, which has been restricted in the UK, remains freely accessible in Ireland and has been linked to the deaths of at least two Irish people.   The investigation raises serious questions about online safety, regulation and the protection of vulnerable people, with campaigners now calling for the site to be blocked here. Patricia Devlin is the investigative journalist behind the story, and she joined Alan Morrissey earlier. Photo (c) EVG Kowalievska from Pexels via Canva

Fuel Excise Cuts Set To Be Extended Until 1st September

The Government has agreed to extend the current reductions in excise duty on petrol and diesel until the beginning of September, with the tax relief then set to be phased out gradually over the following months.     While Ministers say the move will avoid a sudden jump in fuel costs and help keep inflation down, farming organisations have consistently warned that high energy prices continue to place huge pressure on the sector.    Joining Alan Morrissey earlier was the Clare IFA Chair and Feakle farmer, Stephen Walsh. Photo (c) Engin Akyurt from Pexels via Canva

Protests At University Maternity Hospital Limerick

Nurses and midwives at University Maternity Hospital Limerick took to the picket line yesterday in protest over what the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation describes as critically low staffing levels.   The union says frontline posts have been lost, workloads have become unsustainable and patient safety is under increasing pressure.   The HSE, however, says staffing levels comply with agreed standards and that recruitment for additional posts is underway.   Joining Alan Morrissey earlier was Mary Fogarty, Assistant Director of Industrial Relations for the INMO in the Midwest. Photo (c) ADRIAN BUTLER

Housing Minister Claims Council Responsible For Progressing Long-Awaited Wastewater Projects

The Housing Minister claims responsibility for progressing two long-awaited Clare wastewater projects lies with Clare County Council and Uisce Éireann. Responding to a parliamentary question from Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, Minister James Browne says he's approved funding for the Broadford and Cooraclare sewerage schemes under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme. He says this funding "remains available" to Clare County Council and that "responsibility for progressing the projects rests with Clare County Council, working in conjunction with Uisce Éireann". Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O'Callaghan doesn't believe the situation is as clear-cut as the Housing Minister is making it out to be.

Clare Opposition TD Calls On Oireachtas Members To Oppose Controversial Gas Terminal

Clare's opposition TD is calling on her fellow Oireachtas members to oppose the planned strategic gas emergency reserve in the Shannon Estuary. A two-hour debate on the controversial project proposed for Cahiracon near Kildysart has taken place in the Dáil. The final Strategic Gas Reserve Bill has yet to be debated but has been subject to pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas Climate Committee. Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy Donna McGettigan claims the Government should be pursuing renewable options to ensure Ireland's energy is "clean, secure, affordable and ours".