Lets Talk

The Red Cross confirmed yesterday that it had frozen a bank account connected to the branch in Athlone due to what they described as concerns that the rules of the organisation with regard to the management of charity property have not been followed. The bank account, which contains just under 2,500 euro, is understood to have contained money which was collected or local flood relief works. Volunteer Ronan Walsh, spoke to MaryClaire on Let's Talk.

MaryClaire visited Mandie Dempsey's home in Castlerea and spoke to her about her family of five children - three of whom are on the severe end of the autism spectrum. They are hoping that you can help them to raise funds to equip an extension to their house this Friday night in Hestors, Castlerea. Please visit Spectrum Warriors on Facebook to find out more and support.

Minister Sean Canney has indicated that work will commence on a localised dredging programme near Banagher and Derryhomes to eliminate 2 obstructions or pinch points along the river. However, the Mid Shannon Flood Relief Group, believe progress will be minor unless a six key areas are addressed. Spokespersons Michael Silke and Liam Broderick joined MaryClaire on Lets Talk.

While speaking on the new voluntary housing relocation scheme, Deputy Kevin 'Boxer ' Moran outlines that approval has been given to localised dredging programme south of Athlone.

Brothers Peter and Michael Clancy and their sister Sheila, have submitted plans to develop a distillery in Lanesboro. They hope to locate the operation which will include a visitors centre on the site of the old post office. Peter spoke to MaryClaire about the plans, beginning with how it all came about.

MaryClaire speaks to Senior Engineer Eugene Dwyer on the local authorities submission on the Shannon flood risk programme.

Ciara O' Kelly, Leitrim's Dog Warden tells MaryClaire about her call for homes for 16 collies, which is apparently not unusual for county Leitrim.

General Secretary Designate Peter Hughes speaks to MaryClaire about the involvement of his members in the changes to mental health services in county Roscommon.

Roscommon politicans, Senator Maura Hopkins and Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice outline to MaryClaire how they believe the HSE is not being fully transparent on discussions taking place surrounding the future of the HSE mental health services, in particular the future of hostels and their residents.

Tara Killeen has set up a petition calling for a flouride free Carrick on Shannon - she tells MaryClaire her story.

Goodness Grains, which manufactures gluten free products took the Longford award in this years Blas na hEireann awards. The company also scooped two Dietary Specific Foods category awards, their chocolate brownie taking gold and blueberry muffin securing silver in the gluten-free bakery category. The county award for Roscommon went to Gilligan Farm Fresh meats in Fourmilehouse Roscommon - they also won silver for their mexican beef stir fry and bronze for their honey & mustard bacon. MaryClaire speaks to Gr

Live from Ballinasloe - Ballinasloe Fair and Festival Flood Management Plans!

Carrick-on-Shannon Chamber of Commerce insists a new drinking bylaw wouldn't reduce night-time violence in the town. Superintendent Kevin English claims 47 assaults and 129 public order incidents had occurred in Carrick this year, with a large number related to the night-time economy. He believes the only effective way of dealing with the problem is through banning drinking on the streets. The chamber is strongly opposed to it. President Colm McGrath speaks to MaryClaire

As consultants from CFRAM meet with the public in Ballinasloe to outline flood defense plans MaryClaire speaks to flood action groups. She begins the programme discussing the recent announcements on scaling back some of the events at Ballinasloe Fair and Festival, Horse Fair and Agricultural Show.

Roscommon County Council has confirmed its to raise the main Tulsk road out of Castleplunkett village following flooding earlier this year. MaryClaire gets the latest from Chair of the Local Flood Action Committee.

Organisers of the Aisling Children's festival in Longford are expressing their anger that the Arts Council has cut its funding for this years event. It has rejected an appeal made on a May decision to axe a grant of five and a half thousand euro to the Longford group. This year's programme will still go ahead but there are concerns over what might happen in the future if support is not restored. PRO for the festival Marie Fennessy joined MaryClaire to fill her in on what's been happening.

After ten people died in a fire at a halting site in Carrickmines, Dublin, Leitrim County Council carried out a review of its sites. It found a number of potential hazards at the Shannonside View halting site at Rosebank, Carrick-on-Shannon, which comprises both dwelling units and caravan bays. Eoghan Murphy went to the site and spoke to Simon Mongan who first told him about the shock of last year’s tragedy.

With proposed solutions for managing flooding in Roscommon and Athleague on display, MaryClaire comes live from Roscommon's Golf Links Road with guests to highlight local concerns.

With proposed solutions for managing flooding in Roscommon and Athleague on display, MaryClaire comes live from Roscommon's Golf Links Road with guests to highlight local concerns.

The CFRAM study has arrived at final options to protect urban areas from flooding in the future. As engineers meet with the public in Carrick on Shannon, Let's Talk comes live from the Chamber of Commerce in the town with guests.