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Coming up this evening we have an action packed show in store as always, with plenty of football to recap incluidng Clare's defeat to Wexford in the National Football League, an important win for the U20s in Quilty in the Munster Championship and Rice College's defeat in the All Ireland Senior D final. We'll also look forward to St John Bosco Kildysart's own Ladies Football All Ireland final and we'll hear from the Clare contingent involved with St Munchins in Limerick who are going in search of both Senior and Junior Cup Rugby titles.

One of the most vocal objectors to a planned data centre on the outskirts of Ennis is accusing the company behind it of "deception" and claims the development will increase electricity prices. The High Court has cleared the way for the €1.6 billion project on the Tulla Road which it's argued would emit as much greenhouse gases each year as 500,000 people. Responding to the High Court ruling finding in Art Data Centres Limited's favour in the judicial review proceedings, its co-founders said it "recognises that there is a future for environmentally-sensitive data centre developments". They've described the project as a "responsible use of renewable energy" featuring "grid-supporting generation technology and heat-recycling for both agri-food and local heating schemes". Clare County Council granted permission for the 200-megawatt scheme comprising six data halls covering 145 acres in August 2022. This was appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála which backed the council's decision in April 2024 and this was followed by a judicial review process, which resulted in the commission admitted it had "erred" in its initial ruling. Despite this, the remaining hurdles have now been cleared in the High Court, paving the way for the development to commence. With 1,200 jobs to be created during construction as well as a further 1,000 when operational, Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly says it's welcome news. Friends of the Irish Environment claims the data centre will emit 700,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year which is the same as the carbon produced by 500,000 people. The developer has argued that enough surplus electricity will be generated by the scheme to heat up to 1,100 homes in the area. Ennis-based physicist Dr Colin Doyle, who objected to the development at various stages, doesn't believe this will materalise however as the required infrastructure isn't in place. He insists any suggestion the project is carbon neutral is "total nonsense" and an example of "smoke and mirrors.

This week on The Future of Housing, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Connolly, the homeowner of a self-build called Halka Lodge. This eco-friendly, Nordic-inspired home is located in the Burren and was featured on RTÉ’s Home of the Year in 2024. Also joining the discussion was Ciarán Breen of Ciarán Breen Construction in Ennis. Together, they explored the topic of one-off homes and planning permissions. The conversation focused particularly on rural one-off housing, current planning regulations, and the impact these policies have on local communities. This feature, 'The Future of Housing' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Judy Beck from Clonroad garden centre was with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. This week, Judy discussed wildlife ponds. If you have any questions for Judy, text or WhatsApp 0861800964

Ennis Players are heading into gothic territory for their Spring production at glór. The Moors, a darkly comic play inspired by the world of the Brontë sisters, runs from March 24th to 28th. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by PRO, Sinéad Clancy, Director, Sandra Cox, Director and cast member, Clare Fitzsimons.

It was time for another History In Focus on Monday's Morning Focus. Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to tell us more about St. Patrick's Day and a small North Clare area being associated with St. Patrick.

Hamnet star Jessie Buckley has made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards in Hollywood. The Killarney native was the favourite for her performance as Agnes in Hamnet, an adaptation of the bestseller of the same name by Coleraine-born author Maggie O'Farrell, which "tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet". It's the latest in a number of major awards she's won for her performance in 'Hamnet'. Dubliner Richard Baneham received his third Oscar, for his visual effects work on 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. 'One Battle After Another' was the big winner of the night, scooping six prizes including Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay and the new Casting Category. During her speech, Kerry native Jessie - who is the first Irish woman to win the prize - paid tribute to her family. Lauren Lynch, Clare FM’s Out The Gap Presenter spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) VKStudio via Canva

The local authorities new proposal would aim to maximise the benefits of the recently completed public realm project. The plans would include music played on public speakers throughout the town, trad musicians in key public spaces, and the opening of overflow car parks on weekends free of charge. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker Bashua believes radical change is needed to increase footfall. For more on this, Alan Morrissey spoke with John O'Connor, Retailers Of Ennis Chair. Photo (c) Clare FM

New figures from FASD Ireland reveal that 57% of children referred in the first three months of 2026 showed evidence of prenatal alcohol exposure, highlighting serious concerns about undiagnosed Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the urgent need for improved awareness, diagnosis and support services across Ireland. Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss this on Monday's Morning Focus was Tristan Casson-Rennie, Chief Executive Officer, FASD Ireland. Photo (c) FASD

Clarecastle Fianna Fáil councillor, Tom O’Callaghan is calling for new measures to tackle the misuse of disabled parking spaces. He recently brought a motion before Clare County Council proposing a text alert system that would allow members of the public to report vehicles illegally parked in disabled bays directly to traffic wardens for enforcement. The council says it supports the idea in principle and will now carry out a feasibility assessment, including looking at how similar schemes operate in other areas. Councillor O’Callaghan spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Yarova from Yarova via Canva

Clare Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State, Timmy Dooley, will spend this St. Patrick’s Day representing the Irish Government in Canada. As part of the Government’s global St. Patrick’s Day programme, which sees Ministers in more than 50 countries promoting Ireland’s economy, trade links and diaspora connections, the Tulla-based Minister is attending a series of official events across Western Canada. Alan Morrissey spoke with Minister Dooley earlier, about his busy few days of engagements celebrating Irish culture while also strengthening economic and political ties between Ireland and Canada, as well as the Taoiseach’s trip to the White House, and other matters of importance... For more on this also, Alan was joined live by the Shannon Sinn Féin TD, Donna McGettigan... Photo (c) Alleksana Pixels Images via Canva

A High Court ruling clearing the way for a controversial large scale infrastructure project in Ennis is being described as "brilliant news for Clare". Art Data Centres can now proceed with works to build a €1.6bn facility on the Tulla Road after a judicial review stalling the development was quashed last week. The 200 Mega-Watt centre is expected to create over 1,200 jobs during construction and a further 475 when fully operational. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly believes it will be a major boost for the town.

Clare senior football manager Paul Madden says he's frustrated by his side's first half performance which proved costly in The Banner's promotion hunt in the National Football League. A spirited second half display, where Clare outscored their opponents 2-11 to 0-5, wasn't enough as Wexford claimed a three point win in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg. The result paired with Westmeath's victory over Limerick means Clare will again remain in Division 3 for the 2027 campaign. Madden says they let the game get away from them in the second quarter.

Clare U20 Football boss Dermot Coughlan says he's pleased his side were able to make the most of having home advantage in their Munster Championship opener. The Banner kicked off their campaign with a 1-16 to 1-11 victory over Tipperary in Quilty. Clare were spurred on by 1-6 from the boot of Sean Fennell, while Daire Culligan added a further seven points from full forward. Coughlan says the result provides the platform for his side to kick on for the rest of the championship.

There's a call for 25% of levies paid by developers in Clare to be invested in the vicinity of the development. A recently passed motion by the local authority has called for a percentage of development contributions to remain in the town in which the project is taking place. The levy currently is in place for the purpose of providing public infrastructure and facilities including works on roads, car parks and recreational areas. Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe says keeping funding in the local area is vital.

It's claimed the lack of dementia-specific care beds in Clare is a significant burden on affected families. It's estimated that up to 1,700 people in this county and around 64,000 nationally are living with dementia, with the national figure set to rise to over 150,000 by 2045. At this month's Clare County Council meeting, local representatives heard of an elderly woman currently being transferred between St John's Hospital and Nenagh due to a lack of beds. Newmarket-on-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor, David Griffin says it's causing increased stress in an already challenging situation.

On this week’s programme Fr Brendan Quinlivan speaks to Bishop Ger Nash of Ferns who reflects on the challenge of added responsibilities he recently received from Pope Leo who named him as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory Diocese. Fr. Brendan Coffey OSB reflects on the origins of Lent and historian Dr. Brian Lacey explores a deeper understanding of St. Patrick.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunda Prayer for Sunday 15th March 2026 the 4th Sunday of Lent.

Clare County Council's Arts Office insists it's working to support and encourage as much creative activity as possible outside of the county's large towns. The Clare County Arts Officer has this week presented the Clare Arts Plan for 2026 to 2029 to the county's local elected representatives. Following the presentation, Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan questioned if efforts are being made to encourage artistic endeavours in south-east Clare. Siobhan Mulcahy says while they're always looking to do more, many initiatives are currently being run by the local authority in this part of the county.

A warning has been issued to those travelling to Clare's waterways this weekend that the recent inclement weather could create potentially lethal conditions. The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI have issued a joint water safety appeal urging people to stay safe in, on or near the water in the coming days. Recent data revealed 65% of accidental drownings were preceded by land-based activities like walking, angling and hiking. Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Charlie Glynn says assessing weather conditions before approaching the water is crucial.