Atlantic Tales - ITMA - Liam O Brien - Episode 255

Ireland Takes Over EU Presidency

For the next six months, Ireland is at the centre of European decision-making as it holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time since 2013.   The Government says its priorities will be competitiveness, values and security, but it also inherits some of the biggest challenges facing Europe—from negotiating the EU's next long-term budget and the future of farm payments to trade tensions, defence, enlargement and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.  To discuss what Ireland's presidency means for the country and for County Clare, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley and Scariff-based Independent Ireland South MEP Michael McNamara. Photo (c) GoodLifeStudio from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Economic Impact Of West Clare Railway Greenway Tipped To Be "Bigger Than Moneypoint"

It's being argued that the West Clare Railway Greenway could be "bigger than Moneypoint" in terms of its economic impact. Clare County Council has confirmed its submitting the first section of the long-awaited project to An Coimisiún Pleánala for development consent. The local authority has also commenced steps to acquire lands for the Kilrush to Kilkee stretch. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch believes the knock-on effect of the greenway can't be understated.

Ennis Town Bus Service To Commence From September

The Ennis Town Bus Service will commence from September. Under the system two routes will traverse the county town every half hour connecting Clarecastle to Ballymaley and the Lahinch Road to the Tulla Road. Clare County Council is currently installing bus stops to accelerate the programme. Responding to Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal at the Oireachtas Transport Committee, NTA Director of Public Transport Services Jeremy Ryan says it's on track to be up and running in two months time.

Atlantic Tales - ITMA - Liam O Brien - Episode 255

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits the Irish Traditional Music Archive in Miltown Malbay and meets acclaimed concertina player Liam O’Brien who will tell us about his work digitising and cataloguing Clare-related materials currently housed in ITMA’s extensive collection in Dublin.

Over 12,500 Clare People Remain On At Risk Public Water Supplies

Over 12,500 Clare people remain on an at risk public drinking water supply. According to the EPA's latest annual report, both the old and new Water Treatment Plants in West Clare continue to experience issues managing trihalomethanes. Measures aimed at combatting the problems are not expected to be implemented until 2032 and 2030 respectively. Environmental Protection Agency Programme Manager Noel Byrne has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the water is still safe to drink.