Episode's summary
Concern has emerged Clare could lose a vital community outreach programme. Creative Communities Engagement Officers were established in all 31 local authorities in 2023 as part of a five-year strategy under the Creative Ireland Programme. The Government has made no indication yet if the positions will be renewed, potentially putting jobs and funding for youth and diverse community services and workshops at risk. Clare CCEO Eva Birdthistle says clarity is urgently needed.
Concern has emerged Clare could lose a vital community outreach programme. Creative Communities Engagement Officers were established in all 31 local authorities in 2023 as part of a five-year strategy under the Creative Ireland Programme. The Government has made no indication yet if the positions will be renewed, potentially putting jobs and funding for youth and diverse community services and workshops at risk. Clare CCEO Eva Birdthistle says clarity is urgently needed.
Episodes
Concerns Clare Could Lose Vitally Community Outreach Programme
ListenedConcern has emerged Clare could lose a vital community outreach programme. Creative Communities Engagement Officers were established in all 31 local authorities in 2023 as part of a five-year strategy under the Creative Ireland Programme. The Government has made no indication yet if the positions will be renewed, potentially putting jobs and funding for youth and diverse community services and workshops at risk. Clare CCEO Eva Birdthistle says clarity is urgently needed.
Ennis Tidy Towns Hailing 25th Gold Medal Milestone
ListenedEnnis Tidy Towns is hailing the milestone of achieving its 25th Gold Medal. The community group was among the eight Clare towns and villages to be successful in the top tier of the competition. In total, 936 towns and villages entered the 2026 edition. Ennis Tidy Towns Volunteer and Councillor Mary Howard says it's an enormous sense of pride for the group.
Concern Raised Following 'Dangerous' Incident Of Vandalism In Shannon
ListenedConcerns have been raised following a dangerous incident of vandalism in Shannon. Large quantities of broken glass were scattered throughout the town park including near the bandstand, with shards also found hidden in grassy areas. Particular concern was raised due to the close proximity of the park to both primary and secondary schools. Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan says it posed serious risk to both children and pets.
Clare Disability Rights Activist Calls For Tax Credit For People Working Disabled People
ListenedA Clare disability rights activist says disabled people are often 'trapped' in low income jobs so they don't lose access to medical cards. A group of working disabled people across Ireland have put forward the proposal to Ministers Jack Chambers and Dara Calleary to expand the cost of disability payment. Ennistymon-based Clare Leader Forum Director, Ann Marie Flanagan says at present people are forced to work low income jobs as they'll lose access to vital services if they move into a higher tax bracket. She says working disabled people can't earn close to enough to cover rising costs paired with the hidden cost of disability.
Beyond Belief - Sunday 25th October 2026
ListenedStephen Fletcher presents this Beyond Belief for Sunday 25th October 2026. As County Clare is home to some of Ireland’s finest stained glass art, including remarkable windows by the Harry Clarke Studios. Few people know that story better than John Glynn of Kilrush, a researcher who has spent years documenting stained glass across the county — including the stunning Clarke windows in St Senan’s Church in Kilrush. John talks to Stephen about his research which spans more than 140 sites across the county and includes extensive archival work in Clare, Galway, Dublin, and Limerick. We also look at the history of the Halloween elecbrations we anjoy today. Mary Finucane gives us another of her reflections and Fr Gerry Kenny joins Stephen as they discuss what is happening in their parishes.