 Push it dangerously close to the festive rush. Donegal County Council said problems at international level around the supply of materials are to blame for the hold-up in completing the four-lane scheme. It's over a year since work began to upgrade the route between the Polestar and Dryatch Roundabout, speaking at the project's launch in June 2021. The key lock, Rena Donahue, gets described it as a lifeline route in Annette of Letterkenny. The initial project was, the initial projection, sorry, was that the work would be finished within 15 months, but a delay of up to 10 weeks means that it will not now be completed until the end of November. And it seems actually staying on the roads, it seems that those controversial, well, they're not zebra crossings, I don't know what they are, in Baloe Faist and all, they're there to stay. Do you remember we were told it was a pilot project and that it would be assessed to see if that's the future, whether it appears they are the future? I'll read out the actual information from the council on that, but it appears that they are here to stay as they are. And my concerns I had about them remain in that are these zebra crossings, are they not? Especially with new people visiting, you know, as they do around the summertime, are they lit up, are they not? Well, they weren't lit up last time I used them. Anyway, if you've a view on them, particularly for you, those of you that live in and around Baloe Faist and Stranawler, what do you think of what seems to be now these permanent, high visibility in inverted commas crossings that seem to be a thing for the future now? Let us know what you think, 086625,000. And that includes, by the way, if you think they're fantastic and you've used them and things are moving well, okay? The dairy news, the daughter of a mother of six shot dead by a British soldier in the back garden of her dairy home over 50 years ago. Yesterday said her mother had been vindicated by the findings of the second inquest into her death. Kathleen Thompson's daughter, Minty, was speaking following Coroner Sandra Crawford's findings into the shooting of her mother at their home in Rathland Gardens in the Cregan area of the city on November 6th, 1971. On to the nationals now. We'll start with the Irish Independent this morning. And this is interesting news. It's one of crime, really. And we can never forget that there is a victim in this who suffered an awful end to her life and also a family who continued to mourn her loss greatly. But it is also a story that has become, you know, more of a story than an investigation for an awful lot of people. But a big development improvements in DNA testing and new witness statements have prompted Guardi to launch a cold case review into the murder of Sophie Tuscon de Plantier. The move keeps alive the prospect of a trial in the 26-year-old case. A review of the film, sorry, the file, formally submitted to the DPP has found clear new avenues for investigation with the result that a full-scale reassessment will be undertaken. It will be interesting to see how improvements in DNA will progress that case because there seems to be a bit of a problem with the gathering and retention of evidence from that time. What would they be testing? I don't know. A review of the file, I've just mentioned that. Detectives have examined potentially new evidence over the past 12 months and have also interviewed a number of possible witnesses, many in the wake of two high-profile documentaries and the case screened by Sky TV and Netflix. Now Guardi about to conduct a full review of the case, file the third such review in 20 years. And there is a bit of international pressure on that. My concern is that they'll interview an awful lot of people and it'll be more hearsay because anyone who's followed that case would know that there's been people that swore they saw something and then maybe there were question marks over whether they saw that or not. And if they get more people that do that, it's best gonna be circumstantial, isn't it? And I don't know how they can progress the case beyond where it's at now. But anyway, who is to say, we'll watch with interest. The Irish Times tells us that pressure is mounting for an early budget in September. That is effectively the government bringing forward the budget for 2023 from October to September. And of course, certain measures contained within that budget, often as it relates to social welfare payments or what have you, often don't kick in till the next year or to a later date. They could bring it forward to September and they could make those any extra help for people. They could make it available immediately. So maybe that's where the logic's at. It's a halfway house between an interim budget and the budget in October. But the budget could be brought forward by up to a month by the government as it faces significant pressure from the opposition about the cost of living crisis it has emerged. The coalition was preparing for a major budgetary package to be announced in October. But multiple sources have confirmed that discussions are underway at a senior level to bring the announcement forward to September. Four senior sources in different coalition parties have confirmed to the Irish Times that the government is given consideration to holding the budget earlier, most likely in late September and potentially in the last week of the month, last year's budget was announced on October 12th. No final decision has been made, sources cautioned, but one said there was a sense that people are under significant pressure so we need to do whatever we can rather than acquessing to demands from the opposition for an emergency budget. And in fairness now, the government's pretty honest in this and Minister McGrath said yesterday when challenged to introduce an emergency budget he said, paraphrasing, well, if we introduce an emergency budget now, you'll say that's not enough. And then when we have the budget in October, it'll not be a significant budget because obviously much of it would have been brought forward for an emergency budget and you would complain about that. So the speculation we had on this program last week, the week before that that was really the motivation for not helping people now when they could was confirmed by the Minister McGrath himself yesterday and at all. All right, the Irish Farmers Journal, farming, carbon reduction targets must not exceed the minimum 22% figure, temporary TD Jackie Healy has said. Cahill, sorry, Jackie Cahill, I beg your pardon. Cahill, who is chair of the Arctis Agricultural Committee has thrown down the gauntlet to his Finafore party colleague telling the Irish Farmers Journal that new funding's also required for farmers to help them meet this target. He's made his demands known to Tshok Meehul Martin, negotiations are ongoing in government over a definitive reduction target of between 22% and 30% for the sector. Let's have a look at the Irish Daily Mail now and families are struggling to put food on the table as a new study reveals grocery prices are among the highest in Europe. Courses have been made for the government to issue food vouchers to those in need with more people affected than ever before due to soaring inflation. One TD told the Irish Daily Mail yesterday that some people are treating food as a discretionary item with parents skipping meals to ensure their children can eat. A Central Statistics Office study revealed that last year food prices in Ireland were 17% above the EU 27 average making them the second most expensive in the Eurozone, 19 countries that includes by the way. We are only behind Luxembourg and the third most expensive in the EU. And we'll read more about that now in the Irish Daily Star because the true extent of Rip-Off Ireland has been laid bare. It has emerged Irish shoppers are paying the second highest prices for food and I'll call in the Eurozone. Food prices in supermarkets here are almost a fifth more than average paid in the other 19 countries in Europe. So that means what we spend 120 Euro on for our weekly shop and that's if it's just food is costing our European neighbors. I don't know why I put that in inverted commas in my head but they are our European neighbors. I meant that in terms of I thought we were all in this together but they're paying 100 Euro. So if we're paying 120 Euro for our shop and they're paying 100 Euro add that up for a month, multiply it by 12 and you can see where we're being ripped off here. Irish shoppers are paying more for virtually everything in their basket with fish the only exception and measly 3% lower than the EU average. Even if you're a non-drinker you're getting hit for more because non-alcoholic drinks are 37% more in Ireland the joint dearest in Europe. So if you also buy a can of Coke if you buy a bottle of Fanta you're paying 37% more than the rest of Europe. Smokers are being hammered too with the government's public health pricing policies seeing cigarette smokers paying 145% more for tobacco products than the European average. There were a lot of people in this country a lot of people who are committed smokers aren't going into shops to buy them now. There's a very active and easily accessible market there for cigarettes that aren't bought in shops and I think an awful lot of people are going down that route. The rip-off of public prices have led Labour finance spokesperson Jed Nash to call on consumer protection regulators to step in to investigate. Now you could say, oh well, Ireland's on the West Coast and we have to ship this stuff in so you know, it's not a bit wonder your oranges are more expensive. It's not a bit wonder your peppers are more expensive. Sure you have to import them in. Okay, let's just say that why is our milk more expensive than anywhere else? Why is our meat more expensive than anywhere else? Why is our butter more expensive than anyone else? We produce that here for crying out loud. We produce dairy products in this country and yet we are paying more for it than those in Europe. Now you could get into the whole debate and say, well these prices are fixed on international markets and blah, blah, blah, that's fine, right? But why should we be paying more unless we're just at the hand of being taken out of us? Why should we be paying more for produce in this country, produced in this country than people are in the rest of Europe? It does not make any sense, I don't think so. I'm mentioning this just because it's a case that has been the subject of a number of documentaries. It's also a person involved who a lot of people would have grown up listening to their music and that is singer R. Kelly. Well, he was last night jailed for three decades, 30 years for using his position to sexually abuse children and women. The R&B artist, former R&B artist who's 55 was convicted last year of sex trafficking, racketeering and forced labor. Sentencing him, U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly said he used his celebrity status and influence to lure women and children into sexually abuse over two decades. The court heard victim impact statements from seven women presented anonymously to the court. So R. Kelly is going to jail for 30 years. He's well resourced though. I imagine an appeal will be lodged almost instantly and he'll be out again, but we shall see. And finally in the show, I restate a mirror for any of you following the Daniel Kinnehan story, particularly with its links to sport. You would know that Tyson Fury, the world heavyweight champion. He's banned from going into the United States, can you believe, as a result of sanctions imposed on Daniel Kinnehan, over 600 of his associates and alleged associates have been banned from America amongst them, as I say, Tyson Fury. Boxer Peter McDonough says the U.S. imposed travel ban on his pal Tyson Fury is like punishing someone for knowing Jack the Ripper. Now, I presume if someone talked up Jack the Ripper saying he's a great fella, he's great for whatever he does other than, you know, what he's murder and rape of women. Or if you were over in Dubai getting pictures taken with Jack the Ripper, that might be slightly different. But as I mentioned, some 600 people have been denied entry to the United States due to past boxing links to sanctioned mob boss Daniel Kinnehan and particularly his company MTK. Former Irish professional champion, Boxer Peter 44, who was once friends with and managed by Kinnehan, said he couldn't understand the ban. I still don't understand how these people are banned. He said, if your next door neighbor has Jack the Ripper at the end of the day, it's not your fault, is it? Even if you spoke to that person. But what he seems to not understand is that in an effort to put pressure on the Kinnehans, you squeeze those around them. It's precisely what's happening on a global scale with sanctions in Russia. If you want to put pressure on Vladimir Putin, you sanction his brothers, his sisters, his daughters. You put sanctions and travel restrictions on his cousins, as I mentioned, his business partners, Oglarks or whatever you call them. That's the way it works. And that's precisely what the US authorities are trying to do to the Kinnehans. They're trying to put the squeeze on them by squeezing their friends. The newspapers are courtesy of Kelly Centra, mountaintop Letter Kenny. Your questions answered on the new rep scheme. For more in your farmer's journal, is Paul Mooney. Don't miss our two pages of reader questions on the new rep scheme, now called Acres. Find out who you can earn up to 10,000 euros a year and how the payment rates compare to reps. Finifall TD tells T-shirt that farmers need new money to tackle climate measures. And in our childcare series, we ask the minister, how he plans to reduce childcare fees. Only inside this week's Irish Farmers Journal, you cannot afford to miss it. Is the appearance of your staff important to your business? It's the first point of contact for customers when entering your premises. At CNM and Broadway in Letter Kenny, they have a huge range of clothing, covering all areas of the workplace. It's widely known that customers warm to and trust employees that present themselves well. Have your company name and embroidered or printed on all your work uniforms. Contact CNM and Broadway on 07491 28097 and get your staff looking their best. House to Home, Bridge End, Donegal. Our modest front door opens on the two floors of Irish-made furniture, suites, beds, mattresses, dining and occasional furniture. Step into our showroom and see how we can transform your house into a home. House to Home furniture, flooring, slide robes and interiors, Bridge End, Donegal. Forward Emphasis International based in Mall and Head are recruiting for their IT, training and customer service teams with both in-office and hybrid opportunities available. Experience in contact centres or insurance services is desirable but not essential as full training is provided for customer service roles. Please visit their website, www.forwardemphasis.ie and apply via their careers page. Okay, lots of you listening today or maybe your parents or grandparents would be familiar with because it's not that far in our history, a rail network in Donegal. People could travel right around the county. People would remember stations in the local areas. People would remember how freight used to be able to be moved around Donegal, but a decision was taken to close the railways. They were the railways in this part of the world. They were deemed not to be of use any longer. Maybe they thought the future was articularies and what have you and we just ripped up the tracks and never protected the routes and well, here we are. There's a significant movement on to try and get rail links back through the Northwest and into the Northwest, but I'm not sure how much political motivation is there and we heard it's going back some time now. I think it was the head of inroad, Aaron saying he doesn't believe it would ever, ever happen because it simply wouldn't be financially viable. So where are we at? Richard Loog though is a project manager in transport for London. So he knows, you know your way around the train and how to get about Richard, don't you? Sure, Greg, that's the day job. Yeah, exactly. So one of the issues we've got in Donegal is, and I'm originally from Donegal, my family are based in Quigley's Point. In fact, my brother and his wife Margaret live up there now, but my background is project management in railways and what I deal with is costing and management of infrastructure projects. Now, I have been part of the Into the West group, along with Steve Bradley, Aiman McCann, Jim McBride and all of those guys. And as a team, we'd actually cost it up a potential extension of the railway initially from Derry into letter Kenny. And we looked at that and we saw that to run it in from Derry straight into letter Kenny, we think it would come in at around about 300 million pounds. So let's say roughly about 320 million Euro. Now that might sound like a lot of money, but when you consider the amount of money that both the Northern and the Republic States spend on roads, it's fairly small beings in terms of a big game changer for Donegal. Now we all know in the last 20 years, letter Kenny has expanded significantly. And we are in a situation now where letter Kenny together with Derry and Straban are coming together as part of a combined Northwest city region. Now, one of the big issues within the region is two things. One is the low level of car ownership across the region. In fact, in Straban, it's down to about, I think something like 30% of households in Straban, for instance, do not own cars. It rises to 41% in Derry. And we also have a situation where in terms of public transport, I think everybody knows that Donegal is very much not properly served either to external links to the state or even within Donegal itself. So in terms of an investment, I certainly believe that it's not a huge ask to put in initially a direct link between Derry and letter Kenny, but longer term, we also need that link going directly from Derry straight down to Dublin. And there's a school of thought that says that I could come down the old line that went to Porter down and that would take you straight into Dublin as well. Either way you look at it, it would be a massive game changer for Donegal. And if we look at the state's own objectives over the next 20 years, they're looking to expand the state's population by a further 2 million. We're already up to 5.1 million now. We're not gonna put all of those extra population in Dublin. Dublin is, as we know at this stage, completely full. But what we have in Donegal is a very high quality of life. The big missing link, I think, is to have adequate public transport. And let's be clear, there's already the demand there. What I don't understand, Richard, is that this is something that we have to argue or campaign for because if I were in government and I was saying, right, well, we need to maybe move away from the car or transporting stuff in lorries or whatever it might be, we have to help people. We wanna just transition. We wanna grow this country. We want to spread that population out. You would look at a map and go, right, obviously we need to improve connections to the Northwest. Now, what I don't understand, as I said, for I'm beginning, why we have to campaign and argue for that? That should be something, say, as part of the 2040 plan, this is what we're going to be doing. And then arguing and convincing us to ditch the cars and get on the trains. Well, it seems to have to happen in reverse. It's crazy. Yeah, I agree. And in fact, I've engaged a lot with politicians over the last 10 years on this particular subject. Had meetings with Shane Ross when he was a minister for transport and I've had meetings with Amy and Ryan who's the current minister for transport. And I will tell you this and I've met politicians from all parties. And I have yet to meet a politician who will turn around to me saying, no, that's not a good idea. It's not gonna run. And the only conclusion I can draw is that when they get down into the government offices in Dublin, I fear that there is an element of the civil service, the National Transport Authority who do not, for whatever reasons, we do not know because it's the permanent government and nobody questions the permanent government as to why when elected politicians come in they get stonewalled. Now, Greg, I wanna give you one example where an elected politician overrode all of that. Albert Reynolds, the former Taoiseach when he was minister for transport in 1981 authorized the reopening of the Minoos commuter rail line in the teeth of opposition from both CIE which was Irish rail in those days and from the civil servants in the Department of Transport. But as minister and the current minister has the same powers to add the power to say, no, you're gonna go ahead and do this. And he did that. And now we are looking at the Minoos line being electrified in the next couple of years. It's been an absolute success. But had he listened to the civil servants and had he listened to the many naysayers out there within official Ireland for want of a better phrase, it wouldn't have happened. And regardless of political party, I think any politician needs to step up to the plate and actually crack on and do these things because otherwise we will be waiting. I would have thought in terms of, say for instance, then connections to the capital as in Dublin that you would look at connecting, say the likes of letter Kenny to Sligo. You're saying that it wouldn't go that route or? No, I think you've got to look at it in the context of a full all island rail network. I'm very much an advocate. And indeed, not just me, but also Donegal County Council, the Northern and Western region assembly have as part of their planning objectives, a rail link direct to Dublin, but also a rail link direct down to Sligo. We should be linking up Donegal town to Sligo's letter Kenny to Donegal town. You've got a lot of the old track bed is still intact on the Barnesmore gap. But you'd obviously have to re-engineer it for modern trains. And you actually would have the basis of effectively if you want to concentrate the expanded population on the Western seaboard, where I believe the best quality of life is in this country, then you really need to have an extended Atlantic rail corridor, which would take you from Derry right down to Cork. And actually that would actually start to provide an effective counterweight to the Eastern axis, both between Belfast and Dublin. So it's not a question of, should we do it? The question is, why aren't we doing it? Because these are the sort of things that we need to have to be able to provide infrastructure. And it's not really actually about the trains. It's actually about providing an economic backbone to allow foreign direct investment and also our own investment into building up towns and cities all along the Western half of the country into being the potential for economic powerhouses. I was listening to the news before I came on the air here and I'm delighted that there's new jobs being added in Nettra Kenney. Nettra Kenney is at this stage, there should be no debate that Nettra Kenney should be reconnected to the network at this stage. There are tons smaller than that on the network in the rest of Ireland. And we have a situation where we hear from the politicians that they're all for it. But I think it's at this stage for all of our politicians to basically do what Albert Reynolds did back in 81 and said, right, we're gonna get on and do this. There was a news article in the examiner there yesterday where the Department of Transport are refusing to publish their model that they're using on the All Ireland Rail Review. And that concerns me. Is the All Ireland Rail Review gonna come out as a fudge where they'll just maybe add a few more trains in the existing lines? Or is it, and I'm, because I gave evidence at the Arroquatus Transport Committee in March and I can tell you that there is a lot of people, not just myself out there, who are strongly advocating for a root branch reform of how we do public transport in this country. Yeah, and also too, it'd be interesting to get a deeper analysis too on this, the two to one ratio in terms of spend, road infrastructure versus public transport. It seems really a lot of that public transport spend is in the capital. It's being spent on Dublin. But if you look at it from a distance, it looks like, right, okay, that's really progressive, but it's not really because we're being forced to stay in our cars effectively whilst transport links improve in Dublin. That should be happening anyway. The national plan should be, what are we going to do in terms of the spend in areas where there currently isn't adequate public transport? I fully agree, Greg. And if you look at countries like Germany, for instance, where they have a very decentralized economy, they don't put all their eggs into one basket in Berlin. They will build up major regional cities like Hamburg, Stuttgart, Munich, all of those. And we should be doing the same because what we want to do is we want to put a stop to the notion of any brain drain. I mean, in fact, if you remember from the census results that were released last week, I think Donegal was one of the few counties that had a decrease in population. And we need to be, you know, we've got a fantastic county here in Donegal. We have an opportunity here to be able to... It was one of the lowest increases. I think our increase was around about 5%. Oh, yeah, sorry, that's correct. Which was much lower than many other counties, but it still backs up your point. Yeah, but I think the bigger issue is that, you know, we need to get out of this narrow-minded profit and loss model, which is what I think is going on down at the department, and actually start looking at the wider economic benefits that, you know, accrue with proper public transport. And, you know, if we start doing that, I mean, and I know from, you know, speaking with a number of people within Donegal County Council, they're wholeheartedly behind this idea. And, you know, so we're very fortunate that we've got a council is thinking ahead like that. But we do need, you know, the politicians on a national level are basically Perakahones, as they say, in Spain, and get on with, you know, sort of implementing these... I think if we got a better understanding of what the permanent government think, though, because there is definitely an attitude towards the Northwest of Ireland. And in a way, it's good for them because we've kind of been positioned as moaning in Donegal, nothing's good enough. But we know for a fact, in terms of health, if they believe they provide something preferably in Galway, it services North in a shone. But if they have to go, if they have to go a bit further, right, well, Sligo, if we put services in Sligo, that's the Northwest sorted, right? And if they really, really, really are pushed hard, well, then the final place they might put something is in letter Kenny, do you know? It's almost as if it's to resist anything in the Northwest. But there must be an ideology or a way of thinking down there. If we don't break that or don't get an understanding of it or change it, I think the Northwest is going to be deprived forevermore until such time that is changed. And that also feeds in to this transport conversation we're having right now. And sometimes I think is Ireland partition three ways, like the North to South and Donegal. And at some point, we need our politicians to turn around and say, right, we're actually going to pull everything together. And I think there's a lot of initiatives out there and I very much support the Northwest city region initiative. I think that gives us an opportunity for a critical mass within that access between Derry Sturban and letter Kenny. And I also welcome the technological university being established because again, that's something that does pull the Northwest together. How do we expect the students though to travel between campuses? I guess we expect them to buy a car or guess, you know, the bus and I've done that bus journey from Derry to Galway, Miss Elf. Whilst it's very scenic, it's also very long. But the National Development Plan is set out for us to move into letter Kenny. Everyone in Donegal to move into letter Kenny, everyone in North Letram rural Sligo to move into Sligo town and we'll provide you the services there. But if you want to live in rural Ireland, firstly, we're not going to allow you to build a house, but secondly, you are going to have to accept that you will not get the same services in the areas where we're focusing our investment. Again, that's a plan, a long-term plan and how do you break through that? How do you change the mindset of the people that think that's our future? I think there's a couple of developments that have happened in recent years that I welcome. I mean, the local link bus services, for instance, I mean, I know that because we have one that runs from the mill direct into letter Kenny, not the cheapest of buses, but the fact that it's there is regular, that's a start. But, you know, the state's policy in general seems to be everybody needs to switch to electric cars by the time, you know, we've phased out the diesel and petrol engines in 20 years time. We know the problem with that is that the cost of electric as everybody knows has gone skyrocketing upwards. So is that the answer? And I would argue that we need to have proper resource public transport and yes, get them into the rural areas. If we were serious about electric cars, we would have electric charging points widely available and we simply don't. Finally, Richard, in terms of the take up here, I mean, someone might go, well, you know, part of the argument that's led to the strikes over in England is that less people are using trains. You know, that's what the government might argue. And then they might say, well, if we build it in, like you've been sort of promoting here, the trains could be empty. People might still want to use the car. People might still think that lorries to transports hand you. You know, piling up the arguments against doing this. Is there any way for us to predict what the traffic on a train might be if it were provided? Well, I can tell you, and we've got an example on our doorstep, Greg. The Derry to Belfast line 20 years ago. And I mean, I would have used that line 40 years ago when it was basically myself and the driver on the train and the fellow at the trolley. That line was not popular and was going to be closed down by Stormont because the trains were all clapped out infrequent timetable and everybody says, ah, sure, nobody's going to use it. But what incident West did, and all credit to Amy McCann and Jim McBride for doing this was that they basically got the political pressure onto Stormont and TransLink then invested, put brand new air conditioned trains on the route, a clock-faced timetable and promotional fares, which were, you know, and I think the fares in the north are very, very competitive compared to what we have to pay and transport in the Republic. And that line has been a success. Now, TransLink, before all of the investment came in, came in and said, well, we think that it's going to be something like about a quarter of a million passengers per year, which will run on it. In fact, within six months, that prediction was quadrupled and it was over a million passengers a year. So the short answer is, if you actually provide an attractive service, while it's been built, the usual patterns is, you'll get a bunch of people going on social media and in the press and it's so-called experts saying, it's a white elephant, nobody's going to use it. Look at the Lewis and Dublin. It was a white elephant and now it's a success. So the same thing goes with the Derry and Belfast line. That line has now become a success. And it's purely because they've done exactly what they said they would do, which is put modern trains on the line, a regular timetable and good fare. So it becomes a cost-effective way of traveling. Yeah, I mean, and in the whole sort of, you know, the future of the planet, because obviously this would have a huge impact, a positive impact in terms of emissions and what have you. You know, you hear politicians like Hem and Ryan and others talking about our children. You know, what about our children and our children's children? What are we leaving them? Well, what are we leaving them? What options are we leaving them to get around? An electric car, it's the only show in town. We're not leaving them a rail system. We're not, you know, we are not providing infrastructure for them. So we're speaking out of both sides of our mouths. Richard, listen, it's been an absolute pleasure talking to you with it. It's great to speak, you know, to get your insight, obviously with your background, you know what you're talking about. Can I just add on a personal note, my late mother who passed away sadly this year was a big fan of yours. And she would listen every morning and she'd ring me up and said, you never know what was on Greg Hughes' show. And I just wanted to shout out to the great people at Nazareth House and Fawn who really looked after my mum for the last couple of years. And I know if you wouldn't be listening there this morning as well. So thanks very much. And I relatively recently lost my mum too. It's not easy even as you get older and you have your own children. And my sympathies to you, Greg. There's an eternal link there that just is like no other. So my sympathies with you and I'm sure she's looking down and you're very proudly. Thank you so much, Richard. Thanks very much, Greg. All the best, Paul. Bye-bye. That's Richard Logue there, Project Manager in Transport for London. OK. And God rest his mum too. We'll be back with more after the break. Don't just do OK in your career. Do great at all state. Don't settle, soar. Don't procrastinate, innovate. Don't do mediocre. Do magnificent at all state. Great work, great life, great people. Where great opportunities await. All state and I careers today. 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Now, a person who has been at the centre of all the coverage and the conversation of this trial is Ian Bailey, sorry, of this investigation. And Ian Bailey's sister, Frank, bottomer joins us on the programme. Now, thanks for taking the call, Frank. I understand you're very busy, so I appreciate it greatly. I suppose I presume you've spoken to Mr. Bailey recently. What's his reaction to this? I mean, this has been one of his calls, hasn't he, for this to be re-looked at? Yeah, I spoke to him yesterday. He is naturally very, very happy that there is to be a review of the case, which will no doubt give him comfort. He has been asking for it for some time. He has, I think, been in communication with the guard of commissioners seeking it. And he has clearly indicated his desire to cooperate, so far as he may be required to cooperate with the inquiry, like any citizen should, or like anybody should, who has any knowledge in relation to the case. But certainly, he's very pleased that this is happening. What do you think, honestly, Frank, not the... Of course you can't answer any question honestly, it's the wrong way to phrase it, but what do you think this might achieve? Because I heard some newspaper coverage of, you know, advances in DNA technology and what have you. I mean, is there evidence there to re-examine or will we end up really with more sort of anecdotal evidence and, you know, some box-ticking exercise and nothing might come of it? What do you feel might come of this? Or what do you think potentially could come of it? Well, certainly, I would say that it is not to be regarded as anything other than a completely serious attempt by Engardus Yucana to identify a correct suspect and to seek a prosecution of the correct suspect. There is no question but that this is a crime which the police nationally and certainly local in West Cork would like to resolve. I know that from speaking to senior members, ranking members, ordinary individual members of Engardus Yucana. It is the one case that has greatly troubled Engardus Yucana as a body or as a corporate entity in relation to, you know, other obligations to detect and prosecute crime. And so far as evidential lines might be concerned, it's a serious challenge. There's no question. The event, the tragedy happened almost 26 years ago. One of the great, you know, regrets must be the focus on one individual at the time, Ian Bailey, and the resourcing of that focus rather than a more broad-based objective type of analysis in relation to the crime where if resources had been devoted to other pursuits at the time of the lines of inquiry, perhaps things might have taken a different turn. And so far as forensic evidence, you know, I think myself that it would be very, very unlikely that new lines of inquiry will open up even having regard to modern, you know, scientific techniques having progressed. The forensic gathering at the scene was probably less, should we say, fulsome than it should have been. There were concerns about the crime scene. There were concerns about delays in relation to the attendance of the state pathologist, matters of that kind. So the reemergence, as it were, of available scientific or forensic material, which could be more analysed in a modern sort of sense, probably unlikely. I'd say what will happen here is that previous potential pursuits that they could have done at the time would probably be looked at more carefully. Probably also there might be a more international element to it, looking at the French side, perhaps. Although one wonders what level of cooperation they may receive on the French side, because, bizarrely, they have convicted Mr Bailey over there in France, so they probably have closed down file, which is actually a very, very bad outcome from that point of view. But I would have no doubt that there will be a resourcing of this exercise to a sufficient standard. And you have a lot of faith in this process. We have seen previous inquiries in the past over the last quarter of a century. Why, just to explain to me a little bit more briefly, why are you so confident in this announcement, in this review? It's not that I'm confident that it will have an outcome. I'm confident that it will be resourced. It will do its job seriously. It will look at things with a fresh pair of eyes. It is not using your own expression there earlier on. It's not a box-ticking exercise. And I believe that to the extent that it can achieve something, it will be resourced and focused properly so that whatever might be achieved will be achieved. I did say, and I'm even to you, that the prospects of an outcome are absolutely slim. No question about it. I mean, it's 26 years old, people have died. I gather even, allegedly, evidence has gone missing. The state has gone missing. All manner of things that will cause real problems to a fresh investigative team. But that file has actually been open constantly since the crime was committed. There's an ongoing investigation all the time centered in police headquarters in Bandon and West Cork. It isn't that the case was parceled away and shut down. That has never happened. Obviously, you spoke in public on this. There's been at least two documentaries, widespread coverage of this. We know, as you mentioned, what's gone on in France. Do you believe there's new information there? Do you think people will or have come forward that if there are all lines of inquiry, that there is more information there that can be followed rather than just simply being maybe just a review of what we already know? Yeah, I believe and I have always believed that somebody knows something, whether that is within the Republic of Ireland or West Cork or whether it is overseas, I don't know. I've always believed that there is a killer. It's not Mr. Bailey. And I believe that, yes, there is the possibility always that information will come forward. I believe that this case, if it ever were to be solved, that it would be solved by information. I wasn't greatly of the view that it was going to be resolved at the outset or that the lines of inquiry would be assisted at the outset at the scientific or forensic level. So it's a hugely challenging exercise. There's no doubt about it. Frank, finally, you've mentioned that Ian Bailey has called for this review. You've said he'll cooperate fully with it. And given the fact that you think perhaps maybe this crime being solved, the chances are slim, what would you hope would come from this process for your client? Because I mean, obviously, people have seemingly made up their, the public jury has made up their minds, so to speak. What could possibly come from this outside of it being solved and not being Ian Bailey, if you know what I mean? What could come out here that I'd say is good for your client? So many things that it's hard to enumerate them. First of all, it would establish his innocence. Although I do believe, actually, that the great majority of people in, you know, believe that Ian Bailey had nothing to do with this case. Took a long time for that to be established, by the way. All sorts of litigation, inquiries, and goodness knows what. First of all, the establishment of his innocence in that fashion. Second of all, just one of the things, he's a prisoner in the Republic of Ireland. He's the subject of the European arrest warrant, where he could travel any place outside of the Republic of Ireland. He'd be automatically arrested, where it to be any country which participates in the EAW process. He can't go to his home country, the UK. He hasn't been there, I think, for about 14, 15 years. He couldn't go to his mother's funeral. He couldn't visit her before her death because he was either been arrested. And just stuff like that would be also ordinary day-to-day stuff. You know, the shunning of him in certain quarters. All sorts of stuff that has been, you know, experienced by him. All of that would come to an end. Just ordinary day-to-day stuff. And then the greater picture stuff, as it were. OK, Frank, thanks so much for your time this morning. I really appreciate it. You're most welcome. Thank you. Take care. That's Frank Bottomer there. He's a solicitor for Ian Bailey commenting there on the news that the Guard of Cold Case Unit is to conduct a full review of the murder of Sophie Tuscon de Plante. She was murdered in West Cork in 1996. OK, thank you for that. We'll be back with more after these. Sheridan security, now introducing Zero Wire smart alarm systems. Zero Wire, Zero Mess and a real peace of mind. With a simple press of a button, your alarm can be set or on set or download the free app and control it from your phone. Call us today on 074 912 6025 and get your alarm from 299 euro. Stay local, stay safe and protect what you value most with Sheridan security systems. When it comes to searching for a holiday, Atlantic travel and other Kenny deal with all the major tour operators from Dublin and Belfast to find you the best deals available. A week in the sun, a cruise or maybe a short break. Whatever suits, you can book in confidence with Atlantic knowing your holiday is protected. Shoot something go wrong. Take the hassle and worry out of your holiday booking with the award winning Atlantic travel, said Oliver Plunkett road letter Kenny. For a quote today, see Facebook, visit AtlanticTravel.ie or call 912 6193. Summer Garden offers you won't want to miss this weekend only at your local homeland, including the Venice Four Seater dining set only 399 euro and get a gas patio heater worth 349 euro absolutely free available in store and online at homeland.ie from Friday 1st till Sunday 3rd of July, only while stocks last. Start playing NCBI radio bingo today. Three chances a day, five days a week to win daily prizes of 400 euro plus, not to mention a weekly jackpot of 5,000 euro upwards books available at your local retailer for just five euro each. It couldn't be simpler. Real money, real people. All right, jackpot day today. Good morning, Greg. Just wondering if I had COVID, how long do I have to isolate after negative antigen tests? Well, it's seven days isolation from your first positive one, but you're asked to take extra care for the first three days to reduce the risk of passing it on. I think a lot of people want the negative, the crack on with it. I'm not saying that's what you should do, or that's what the advice is. I'm just saying that's what a lot of people seemingly do. Greg, could you please ask for comments from people who have installed air to water heating? I'm so undecided what to do as I have the option to get it installed. I already have solid fuel heating, though. I'd be very grateful. I love your show and listening all the time. Thank you again and thanks for your nice comments there. Is air to war heating have for air to war? Air to water heating have you had it installed? How did it work for you? Would you switch from solid fuel heating to it? I think that's the questions from that listener in a nutshell. Hi, Greg, I had to go to Balfast last Saturday. It was a great, it was great to step on the train in Derry. No hassle, the train was packed with Donegal people. So we don't mind the trains, do we? If we have access to them. Right, EO. We're heading towards the news, but I want to give you an update on a story here. You might remember we spoke to Gina Grant some time ago. Gina, I suppose we can keep it pretty vague now. But just for listeners, briefly, tell us what this gentleman, the situation he found himself in, Gina? The gentleman ended up having to stay in hospital in the delayed discharge because of funding for a training center that we couldn't seem to get approval for. He had to move into a supported accommodation and because there was none available, we acquired a nursing home. But obviously, because of his young age, he needed to have stimulation activities outside of the nursing home. So he couldn't move until we got funding for a training center and adult day service. And thankfully, this Monday, we got approval for that. And yesterday, the gentleman has moved to start his new chapter. And hopefully then he's all the funding now is in place and he will start transitioning to the day center as well. Nic, great news, Gina. Very, very happy with that. And hopefully now the next chapter will be a happy one for him. And fair play to you for everything you did and all the others that helped. The problem we had when we were talking to you the last time was who's responsible for funding this? You know, who which department? Who's going to take responsibility? Is that any clearer or was it just the campaigning that managed to get someone to sort it out? Well, I was told it had nothing to do with that. I don't know still who approved the funding. There was a meeting held that I wasn't part of to that meeting. But yes, I was just told they're funding now is approved and it apparently was going to be. We'll just take the good news when we can get it. OK. Gina, listen, thanks for the update. I wish the gentleman all the best and hopefully this is a bright new start for him. Not perfectly ideal, but it's much better than the position we were at when we first spoke. Gina, well done. Thank you. Thank you, no. Take care. That's Gina Grant, their PRO of Donegal Down syndrome. So a positive nice update. Hopefully it works out that way for that gentleman who effectively was finding himself living in the Lerner County University Hospital because of the facilities not being available for him outside of it. But that situation has been resolved back after the news and obituary notices. Wet and Wild, your one stop shop for water sports is fully stocked with all the leading brands of wet suits, bodyboards, kayaks, paddleboards, scuba gear, swimwear, dry robes, tow floats, UV protection, life jackets, sunglasses, pointy aids, picnic blankets, cool boxes, cool bags, cook sets, stoves, barbecues and beach windbreaks. So if you're on and under or beside the water this summer, Wet and Wild can keep you safe and looking good. Over time, it's natural for your hearing not to be as clear as it once was. The good news is advances in hearing aid technology may offer different solutions. Sabrina Robb here from Donegal Hearing Clinic. We provide peace of mind with hearing issues that affect people of all ages. Contact us for a consultation at Donegal Hearing Clinic on 074 91 88 470 or visit donegalhearingclinic.ie. Life sounds brilliant with Donegal Hearing Clinic, Letter Kenny and Bunkrana. Hegerdy's auto body repairs in Letter Kenny have been keeping cars on the road across the Northwest for the past 50 years. Hegerdy's are the only Ford-approved body shop in the Northwest, but repair all makes and models. Paintless dent removal, windscreen replacement and restoration work. Hegerdy's even mix their own paint. Approved by most insurance companies and certified steel standards Ireland, that's Hegerdy's auto body Letter Kenny for all vehicle repairs. See hegerdy's.com. Your questions answered on the new rep scheme. For more in your farmer's journal is Paul Mooney. Don't miss our two pages of reader questions on the new rep scheme now called Acres. Find out who you can earn up to 10,000 euros a year and how the payment rates compare to reps. Finifall TD tells T-shirt that farmers need new money to tackle climate measures. And in our childcare series, we ask the minister how he plans to reduce childcare fees. Only inside this week's Irish farmer's journal, you cannot afford to miss it. Live on Air Online and on the Highland Radio app. This is Highland Radio News. Good morning, it's 10 o'clock. I'm Emma Ryan. A Swiss technology company with a development centre in Letter Kenny is creating around 30 new jobs. Travisse border security facility has seamless secured digital border crossing experiences for governments and travellers. The company plans to add 30 jobs in Letter Kenny by 2024 to support their growing business and have already began recruiting. Mikaela Clark has more. Travisse has opened an office in CoLab within the Atlantic Technological University campus in Letter Kenny. Recruitment is already underway and a core team has been established. The company is now looking to grow the team and is seeking people for roles in software development, cloud computing, cyber security and machine learning. Travisse solutions enable governments to digitise their borders, making them safer and more secure from terrorism and transnational crime while also delivering a world-class travel experience that exceeds UN and ICAO standards. Barry McLaughlin who leads the Letter Kenny Development Centre says they're delighted with how quickly they have been able to develop a fully-flaged operation out of their offices in Donegal. A real-way campaigner believes a real-way link from Letter Kenny to Derry would be a massive game changer for the county. Consultant Richard Loog believes the real network in Donegal could easily be reintroduced with a line from Letter Kenny to Derry. Speaking on today's 9-Town News Show, he says the real-way line would link Donegal with the rest of the country. It's not a huge ask to put in initially a direct link between Derry and Letter Kenny, but longer-term we also need that link going directly from Derry straight down to Dublin and there's a school of thought that says that I could come down the old line that went to Porter Down and that would take you straight into Dublin as well. It would be a massive game changer for Donegal. What we have in Donegal is a very high quality of life. The big missing link, I think, is to have adequate public transport. A real-way... Sorry, excuse me. 36% of domestic water treatment systems inspected in Donegal in 2021 failed inspections the Environmental Protection Agency, which released its annual report today, revealed that 121 septic tanks were inspected by Donegal County Council in 2021. The failure rate shows that there are many systems that are a risk to people's health and the environment. That's according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which released its annual report today. In Donegal, 36% of septic tanks inspected in 2021 failed the inspection. Between 2013 and 2021, 273 septic tanks failed inspections but at the end of last year, 82% of the issues had been resolved. Nationally, more than half the number of tanks inspected last year failed due to structural defects or low maintenance. The quality of public mental health facilities remains a primary concern of the Mental Health Commission for the fifth year running. The nurse latest report shows patients are typically offered a better level of care in private facilities. It sought an up-to-date action plan from the HSE to address outstanding issues and increased standards in public clinics. Chief Executive John Farley says five mental health facilities in Cork are inappropriate. If you look in Cork, the buildings, I think five of the buildings really, they're not really what you would need for modern mental health care. That's down to management and governance and making sure that you have buildings. If you were running a hotel, even the lowest-star hotel, you'd make sure that the people that were in there would have decent facilities. If someone is at their lowest of their low in terms of the mental health, the facilities have to be good. Two other now. Today we'll see a mix of sunny spas and scattered showers, with some showers turning heavy or thunderly at times, highest temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees. That's all for now. We will be back with news again at 11 o'clock. Until then, good morning. The obituary notice says that the hospital is currently in a state of emergency. The hospital is currently in a state of emergency. The hospital is currently in a state of emergency. The obituary notice is for this Thursday morning, June 30th. The death has taken place of Cahill Gallhert, Rye Manor Cunningham. Remains will repose at his home from three o'clock this afternoon. Requiem mass on Saturday morning at 11 o'clock in St. Columba's Church, Dremel. Mariel afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only, donations if desired to the oncology ward, letter Kenny University Hospital, care of Patrick Sweeney Funeral Directors. The death has taken place in Birking Head, Merseyside of Ellie McDade, Czech, formerly of Upper Fulaske, Drumpfries. Cremation will take place in Liverpool at a later date. The death has occurred in Spain of Grace Mary Sweeney of Nakhna Fahar, Dunfanahe County, Donegal and Waterford County, Antrim. Her remains are reposing at her home in Nakhna Fahar. Wake private to family and close friends only please. Funeral mass in St. Michael's Church, Creaselaw today at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Dose Cemetery. Mass can be viewed on mcmedia.tv. Family flowers only, please, donations if desired to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, care of any family member or James Harkin Funeral Director. The death has occurred of Isabella McLoone, Ney Green, Millroad Glenties. Isabella's remains are reposing at her home. Removal from her residence to more morning at 10 past 10 going to St. Connell's Church, Glenties for recreation mass at half past 10 with burial afterwards in Fintown Cemetery. Funeral mass can be viewed live on churchservices.tv. The death has taken place of Anthony McGrenra, Lystylian Letterkenny and formerly Carrick Trenta. Antony's remains are reposing at his home from 12 noon today. Funeral from there to more morning at quarter past 10 going to St. John's Cathedral Letterkenny for 11 o'clock recreation mass, which can be viewed on churchservices.tv and termed afterwards to Commel Cemetery. Donations if desired to the Donegal Hospice, please, care of any family member. And the death has occurred of Mara Patton, Mullendrait, St. Orler. Remains are reposing at her late residence. Funeral leaving her home this morning at half past 10 for recreation mass in the Church of Mary and Magda St. Orler at 11 o'clock and termed in Drumkeen Cemetery. The recreation mass will be streamed live via the parish Facebook page. Donations in the afflars if so desired to the Patients Comfort Fund, Barnsview Ward, care of any family member. Family time before the funeral today. For more details including any family health guidelines for wigs and funerals, please go to hindradio.com. Attention all staff, clean up on aisle four please. That's a clean up on aisle four. And Jacob, who's popped in for a pint of milk as diabetes. We don't always know who's at risk from COVID-19 and other viruses, but we do know how to protect them. Keep hands clean and wear a mask. Let fresh air in, get vaccinated and stay at home if you are unwell. From the HSC, for us all. You're very welcome back to the 9 till noon show. We're very good morning if you are joining us just after the news at 10, where have you been? It's good to have you with us. Don't forget that if you want to watch the program, see most of our guests, you can go on to our website at hindradio.com, you'll click in and watch there. That includes a live performance. We have a band coming in for you after 11 o'clock to give you a wee bit of a lift, hopefully. As we prepare for this warmer weather, we mentioned to you that warmer weather is likely. It's looking all the more likely now that from Sunday into next week that we're going to get a spell of warmer weather, maybe even into the low 20s, much drier. Hopefully it lasts. I think we all could do with that now. If you have spare cash and you're looking to buy some summer stuff, a lot of stuff discounted in shops at the moment, I've noticed, because of course they're not selling it. You know, it's like as soon as the sun comes out, we'll all go looking for stuff and the prices will shoot up. So if you have any, if you quit this week, I'd get it this week rather than wait till the prices start increasing as soon as the sun comes out next week. Right, we asked, we were talking just about tipping. New legislation is to be introduced to try and make sure tips that are given go to those that are deserving of them on top of their wages. And we asked on social media, our poll of the day was the Irish Congress of Trade Union says one third of workers in hospitality aren't being paid tips. Have you witnessed experience this? We asked our listeners and our engageers on social media. On Twitter, 81.8% of you said yes, you have witnessed or have experienced not being paid your tips. On Instagram, it was equally high. Well, not equally high, it was very high. 73% have seen or been subject to this. And on Facebook, again, across the board, 83.3% of you had either witnessed tips not being paid to staff or had experience of it, or I presume someone in the house. You know, you would know the story. So that's right across the board. 81 on Twitter, 73 on Instagram, 83 on Facebook. Stay engaged with us on our social media. We'll ask you more questions there and get your views and reach out to you in that way as well. Greg, housing people from other countries and driving rents upon our own people to take these people in on our own or leave in the country. Other creatures, houses falling around them with Micah can't get a home or a place to stay. Well, there's a couple of things in there and it's not to contradict you, right? But I mean, we have the CSO figures there which show more people came back to Ireland. More Irish people came back to Ireland than left, okay? So it's not like there's a mass exodus from Ireland at the moment because it's simply not true. In fact, in terms of net migration to Donegal, more people, Irish people in inverted commas, Donegal people came in over the last five or six years than left, okay? Secondly, I think it's very important and this is where I don't want to take the pressure off the likes of the government. Just imagine for a second, there were no Ukrainians. Let's say Ukrainians, we've had a huge influx of Ukrainians into this country. Do you seriously think that if that hadn't happened that the homelessness figure would have gone down, that there would be homes for people with Micah? That's simply not the case and that gives the decision makers a pass. It wouldn't have been the case. It would have been exactly the same as it is now because we've been dealing with a housing shortage in this country for years. What I would say is you've shown that in a crisis, all of a sudden, accommodation can be found. Now the majority of it really isn't suitable for people in Micah homes. I don't think any of those would like to live in a hotel for a year or so, right? But we've opened the conversation about modular homes. You might remember that, and we heard it from a number of counselors here in Donegal and indeed, I think the Micah Action Group said it's worth looking at, that a solution to housing people who have to move out of their defective, concrete block-effective homes would be modular housing and it was mentioned at three or four council meetings. There was no update whatsoever. It didn't seem to be pursued at all. Well, now all of a sudden, modular housing is on the agenda and it's partly to perhaps house Ukrainian refugees but also now it's been seen as a possible solution for people like maybe those affected by Micah and others for them to get a roof over their head. But it wouldn't have happened. I don't think it would have happened if the government hadn't been pushed into the situation with having to help with the Ukrainians. That's just my take on it. I'm not preaching. It's my opinion. Text 08-660-25000 and tell me I'm wrong. Tell me that if 36,000 Ukrainian peoples hadn't fled a war-torn country to come to Ireland, do you think that that would have in any way, firstly, house prices are going down, not up, okay, but do you think it would have meant that there was more homes for Irish people in inverted commas, that there wouldn't be over 10,000 people without a house in this country, homeless people, that there wouldn't be effectively homeless people in Donegal couchsurfing. Are you telling me as of the 30th of June if the war in Ukraine wouldn't have happened that those problems would be fixed right now? I really doubt that. A caller says, I think the crossings in Balabafé are a great job. At least now you can cross the road before you could get run over. Okay, thank you for that. What about this one? I want you views on this one. I can come down on both sides of this, but it doesn't matter what I think. Actually, maybe that's a decent one, stick up on social media to see what people think in that world as well. How good is Greg? Now I'm gonna join. Ha ha ha, Carolyn's looking at me. No, the question was, and this is quite serious for some people. A listener says, we all went for dinner the other night. Okay, which sounds lovely. We brought a cake with us and asked it to be brought out and cut for dessert. Imagine, after eating and drinking in a restaurant all night, being asked to pay two euro, a slice to cut it and serve it. To say we were annoyed is an understatement. Has anyone else have been asked to pay this fee? I know for one, I'll never be back in this premises. Right, okay, so here's the two sides of this. They spent a lot of money and they just wanted the cake cut, stick it on the plates, give it to us happy days. Everyone's a winner. Alternatively, you could say that if a restaurant is seen to be doing this, right? Why would you buy pay for desserts when you can bring your own cake? I presume in a business model of a restaurant, desserts is a part of, people normally have a starter and a main or a main and a dessert. Often people have three, but you know what I mean? So, but if this place got a reputation for bringing in your own dessert, now it starts off as a birthday party or anniversary, but then what next? But sure, my neighbors came in, and they brought their own desserts. We wanna bring our own desserts. So they say, right, well, we don't mind you doing that, but we're gonna charge you two euro per slice. And they might say, that might be the profit on the dessert, so we're not losing out. Or maybe they've made enough money already that they should just take the hits on that. It's not unusual. It's not common around here, but it's not unusual for people to be allowed in some cases to bring their own wine, perhaps maybe if there isn't a alcohol license on premises, but there's a corking charge. You know, people are used to maybe paying a corking charge. But what do you think? Do you think the restaurant was within its rights to charge two euro per slice of cake for them to cut for their guests? Or do you think that this group of people had spent enough on food and drink that the restaurant should have just said, no problem, we'll cut the cake, we'll put it on our plates, we'll give you the cutlery, eat away, don't worry about it? What do you think? I'll wait 60, 25,000 WhatsApps and texts that number or call 07491-25,000. Someone hopefully today will win our 8,000 plus euro bingo jackpot. Here are the numbers. It's time for NCBI Bingo on Highland Radio. It's 30 the 30th of June, jackpot day you're playing for the jackpot prize of 8,200 euro on the pink sheet. The reference number is S9, it's game number 26. The jackpot number is 71. This number can come out in any position from the next 10 numbers drawn. And now here are your daily numbers. 79, 22, 14, 25, 42, 8, 4, 53, 67, and finally 10. Phone your claim to 9104833 before 8 tonight. Leave in your name, contact number and the name of the shop where you purchased your book and we'll call you back the next working day. Get all your NCBI bingo information at highlandradio.com. Your questions answered on the new rep scheme. For more in your farmer's journal is Paul Mooney. Don't miss our two pages of reader questions on the new rep scheme now called Acres. Find out who you can earn up to 10,000 euros a year and how the payment rates compare to reps. Finifall TD tells T-shirt that farmers need new money to tackle climate measures. And in our childcare series, we ask the minister how he plans to reduce childcare fees. Only inside this week's Irish Farmers Journal, you cannot afford to miss it. Green Shoes and other Kenny and Fulcara have shoes for every occasion. All your favorite brands from Oona Healy, Tommy Bow and Echo to Kate Appleby, Marcosi and Skechers, plus many more. Shop LK and one for all gifts cards are gratefully accepted in store. Green Shoes in Etter Kenny at Market Square and Etter Kenny Shopping Centre, Fulcara and online at greenshoes.com. Green Shoes with the perfect fit for every foot. Join us in Austin, the Alton going to Hork every Thursday night this summer for Dunnegal's best night of music and dance with one of Ireland's finest singer, songwriters and entertainers, Shunny Crampsey from 9.30 to 11.30. Why not come early and enjoy a two course meal in the bar for just 16 euro 95 and stay overnight with bed and breakfast the following morning for just 60 euro per person. For reservations call Austin, the Alton on 074-9135267. Forward Emphasis International based in Mallonhead are recruiting for their IT, training and customer service teams with both in-office and hybrid opportunities available. Experience and contact centres or insurance services is desirable but not essential as full training is provided for customer service roles. Please visit their website, www.forwardemphasis.ie and apply via their careers page. All right, now we are joined on the programme by Paul to discuss the pedestrian crossings, though they are pedestrian crossings but they're not zebra crossings. The council say they are new high visibility crossings. Paul, what do you think? Good morning to you. Good morning Greg, how are you doing? I'm doing good. I'm doing fantastic and didn't even know there was error. But honestly, I was seen on Facebook yesterday that a woman had her up and I went in and I checked on the link, I went into the council website and now it's too high visibility, absolutely not. And you're to treat them the same as a zebra crossing. So that's kind of a confusing message, especially for drivers. I personally think that they're not high visibility unless you're right on top of them. Yep. So you can look at them now and it's fair, you know, talking about them in the summer because it's bright from the very early morning, it's bright from the evening but when they were first introduced, I was driving in the dark and on one occasion, I was coming, I'm not a speedy driver, certainly not in a built up area, but I was approaching one and there was a guy dressed fully in black, there's no lighting, they're not illuminated whatsoever and he happened to be crossing on the part of the road that has not been painted. He was completely invisible to me until he stepped onto the white section and then everyone got a gunk. I had to take the actions to avoid, I wasn't even close to hitting him but I didn't see him and he thought, presumably, that he was perfectly safe, this is his ever-crossing, I can pass along here, no bother and I didn't expect to see a person in the middle of the road and like they trialled them, they're obviously happy with them because they're a permanent fixture, Paul. That's correct, I'm just looking at here, I was looking at the website and whatever he said, now they've been trialled and they've been working with the local community and they said that they've great feedback on them but if you're driving and the effort that you've had, like if you're driving in the kind of a dark area, like if there's people wearing dark clothing, unless you're right in top of them, that's the only time that they're high visibility. Yeah, imagine, there's rain on your windscreen, the Christmas lights are on, they're not lit. Canada, you know, for them to be called high visibility, you'd need to have at least prayer warning signs, just prayer warning, yeah, all of them like, you know, and there's four new ones and the one that I had the problem with is where everybody on social media here is having the issue with and that's over at the bank in Balboffay, at the Bank of Ireland cross over. Which is effectively a crossroads there because you've got traffic from the car park, you've got traffic from the Glenty's road, you've got traffic from Donagall, cars coming down their speed. You've got four or five different directions. Four or five different directions there. And yeah, when I came across that one, there was somebody trying to get across and of course, you're starting to know that it's half a good from your left-hand side out of that little tunnel way from that car, going up into the car park and that the boy in front of me. That's the only time that I recognized that was an actual crossing then. I was like, do you know where did that come from? But then I question myself yesterday, I was like, right, okay, I'll go in and I'll check it again, that's he, right? Courtney Bryan O'Donnell, he's allegedly the road safety officer in Donagall County Council, he says that vehicles don't have the automatic right of wearing that on the road. Now that to me, I'm like, right, okay, the extra rooms have like, it's like a 50-50 job here. But to avoid any doubt of interest and safety, a vehicle should always yield to pedestrians. So that means that if you as a pedestrian step out, that car has to be in a safe manner, what happens if he's right on top of that? If he doesn't say, he'd break out. I mean, especially with road safety, as far as I'm concerned, when you're explaining you're losing, right? So they're not zebra crossings, but they say they should be treated like zebra crossings. It's not that the pedestrian or the car has a right-of-way. It's said that there's no automatic right-of-way for a car. It says that when you approach them, all cars should slow down and prepare to stop. But it doesn't say as far as I can see, it doesn't really say when pedestrians should cross. It says pedestrians should behave as if they were at a zebra crossing and should always observe a profan traffic before proceeding to cross. It's all, like, treat them like zebra crossings, but they're not zebra crossings. Treat them like zebra crossings, but they're not illuminated. Treat them like zebra crossings, but they don't have orange flashing lights to indicate as you come down the hill, as you come down the hill into Balabafé and all of there, it's upon you. Like, tell drivers that it's there. Make up your mind. Is it a zebra crossing? Is it a high-visibility crossing? Like a sign wouldn't be too hard to put up. You know, okay, they might say there's too many things, but a sign on each side of that crossing wouldn't be too hard to put up. Just get alerts. People may not have their wits about them or it could be things, all their things going on in their lanes or their cars at that time or the same, but just warn them at least, at least have it up. But that's only my opinion. Let me ask you, Paul, are you satisfied that, as a driver, right, we're not talking about pedestrians for a moment, but as a driver, are you happy that you can see them, that you know they're there? If you're not from the area, are you happy that people will see them and know potentially people could be crossing? I know of it now, but people not from the area don't know that they're there. Right, okay. That's mine, that's mine. Like, I mean, do we need the likes of the council and the TII and the government to spoon and feed us stuff here? I'm trying to balance it out here, Paul, because I think maybe me and you were on the same side of the argument. They're there, is it not between the pedestrian and the motorist to be careful when they see they're there and between them work out when it's safe to cross them and when it's safe for a car to proceed? Do we really need to be spoon-footed everything by the state? Not particularly not, but I know that you have to be aware of, of course, potential accidents, potential hazards that they're all while you're driving. But these are, like when I was on top of that particular crossing, I'd seen the boys stepping out in front of me, it didn't feel. That's when I realized, yeah, Jesus, there's a zebra crossing here. Why do I call it a zebra crossing, but I didn't? And then I realized then there are no likes. Jesus, what did they come up with? What does this mean, I wonder, Paul? And I'd be very interested to speak to someone from, let's say, the likes of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland. Like, what does this mean for people who are visually impaired or those with guide dogs? I mean, is a guide dog trained to be able to make the assessments that we're talking about now? Because I think that's a very important part of this as well for me anyway. And as I said, I'd love to speak to someone from that organization. Is this a safe way for visually impaired people to cross the road? Because, I mean, the statement from the council presumes that everybody has their vision, for example. And not everybody does. Is this a step forward for those who are visually impaired? Or does this not take account of their particular needs? Because, of course, at the crossing down at McElhenney's, it's very clear, you push a button, there's an audio indication to tell you that it's safe to cross. Presumed dogs are trained to recognize that as well in the movement of traffic. And it's safe. At these other crossings, I wonder what the situation is for people, as I say, who are visually impaired, Paul? In my opinion, I don't think it's a step back. No, that's only my opinion now. All right, Paul. But between the bank and McElhenney's, there's an oil cross related to the yard station. And there's a sanage, or at least sanage, if not, the lakes are required here in this situation. And it is, yes, for a pedestrian movement, absolutely. It's a step in the right direction, absolutely. For visually impaired, absolutely not. I don't think that it's a step in the right direction. All right, listen, Paul, thanks for your time. I appreciate it greatly. I really do. Okay, what do you think, 0860-25000? 0860-25000, does it say the feedback seems to be positive? It is really a suppose about the people of Ballet Buffet Stroller, but of course, many people have to drive through it and visit it. But as I say, my concern particularly would be for those who are visually impaired. Is this, how does this work for, you know, in terms of safe crossing? And as I say, as it relates to the training of a dog, for example, 0860-25000, if anyone can help me with that and give me an insight into it. This caller says the crossings are referred to as courtesy crossings. I don't see that at all. What the council referred to them as is not courtesy crossings. They're called something different altogether. They are called high visibility crossings. But this caller says the crossings are referred to as courtesy crossings in the rules of the road, but they should be colored slightly raised or patterned, cobbled like the ones in Donegal Town, not disguised as zebra crossings. And I made that point too as it relates to the situation in Donegal Town. I think that really works quite well because no one can presume that you either have to stop or that you are able to cross. I think from my experience, it works very well that people know them, you know, no one's given a right, but the pedestrian and the driver kind of work it out amongst themselves. And I think that works really quite well. The traffic in Donegal Town much slower. You could argue it should be slower in the Twin Tans as well, but I think it's a different setup. A caller, though, says same thing needs to be done at the crossing between Kerlin's Lower Main Street, the weak car park at Skittle Alley. Someone is definitely going to get knocked down or even worse. I really hope we don't end up in a told you so situation here. I think the system is confusing, especially for children. Some areas out and they are meeting their friends. Yeah, because you could say, right, there's two zebra crossings, one outside Macklehenny's, which has traffic lights and a one a little bit further up that doesn't. They look the same, black, white, black, white, black, white, you know yourself. Explain that to a child, right? You see over there, right, you have to wait for it to beep, okay? So don't go across there until it's beeping because then the traffic stopped and it's safe for you to cross. But up there, right, wait to see what the traffic's doing. Make a judgment call. Are they stopped? Have they stopped? Then cross. Can a pedestrian step out and sort of like you might on an actual zebra crossing as well, you know, might step out with right away? I don't know. How does every other country do it? We've got proper zebra crossings. You go across the border to see how it works. The council is incompetent in this regard. I don't think it's the council's responsibility, by the way, I think this is Transport Infrastructure Ireland. But this caller says, they have flashing orange lights and a zebra crossing. I thought we worked to European standard. Flashing orange lights, that's all we need. Give us a big bit of assistance, but instead say, oh well, this is the way it is, but we need to explain it to you. I don't know. Tesco Club Card is the power to lower prices on favourites like Far Pitotlba Burgers 400 gram and Six Jumbo Sausages 600 gram and E3 for 10 euro. Plus Villa Maria Savignon Blanche 75 CL and Kylie Minogue for Sante Rose 75 CL was 15 euro, now 10 euro each. It can't stop you going for seconds though. Nothing's that powerful. Lower the cost of your shop with your Tesco Club Card or app, the power to lower prices. Tesco, every little helps, product subject to availability, excludes express doors, enjoy alcohol responsibly. Ineshaun Credit Union has recently launched Cultivate, an agricultural loan at only 6.55%, APR 6.75%. Call any of their four offices for more information or to make an appointment. Ineshaun Credit Union, Bancranacarndona Movil and Moff, supporting local farmers. Ineshaun Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Allster lads, what's the story? When it comes to reading books, you need to up your game. 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The Mental Health Commission has warned that financial status is having an increasing impact on the level of mental health treatment patients can access. The Commission's annual report, fan services run by independent or voluntary service providers, tend to have higher overall compliance with standards than all but one of the HSE's nine regions. John Farrelly is Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, and he joins us now. Good morning to you, John. Good morning. Right, okay. Talk to us about HSE run inpatient mental health services, what you think of them, how they might be improved. Okay, so what we found was, was that when we looked at the core issues, overall compliance has gone up, but then we looked at the core issues that where there was problems, and that was in terms of premises, and individual care planning, staffing and risk. So what that means is when you're unwell and you have to go into an inpatient care, first of all you should be going into a building that provides safe space with dignity, and then the care should be individualized around you, which shouldn't be that everyone gets the same care, it's based on your strengths and weaknesses. And what we found when we actually divided it up into the private and independent against the HSE, we found that the HSE was lagging way behind the privates at a national level. So for example, the privates were asked in terms of premises, a 70% compliance rate, whereas the HSE went from rates of zero compliance in one area to, for example, in your own area, 25% compliance. And the same with individual care plans, the private and independent centers, 100%. The HSE, now they were a bit better there, but in some areas as low as 16%, in your own area, 50%. So what that basically means is, if you think about it with 2,600 beds in Ireland, about 600 of, well, there's 700 or so private independent beds, most of them are based in Dublin. In fact, except for a small amount in Cork, it's all based around Dublin. So what that means is, and they are high achieving centers where you get what's prescribed in the regulations. So if you have someone in Donegal and they need, for example, if they've an eating disorder issue, as there's a very good center in Dublin, but you need your private health insurance and you need the money to pay for it. So person in Donegal who doesn't have the money paid for it, isn't gonna get the same service as someone in Dublin who does, that's it. So just in terms of how much money is spent and how it's used from the running perspective, okay? Like, do private versus public, so are we spending as much money per facility, say, in a public facility versus a private one, or is it less money, or is it that private facilities are better run? In other words, getting better value for money. Do you get where I'm coming from? In other words, I don't want us to think, are we wasting public money by putting it into the services but they're not being run correctly? Okay, well, let me put it from a particular perspective. The governance and management in the HSE is an issue. So for example, there's one area in the HSE, C-H-O-5, that's very good, high compliance levels. Your own area isn't bad actually, in terms of Donegal and in fairness, in letter Kenny, the unit does quite well. It fell down this year on one issue in relation to premises, but it does good care planning. The difference is the private sectors are consistent, those good governance and management, they're always at the high level achieving. The HSE, for example, we went down to C-H-O-5 at the centers are constantly in trouble in terms of, like literally, if you go into a place, imagine you're at your worst steps or your child is the worst steps and you send them into a place that makes you think, like for years we were listening to bad conditions, where people were locked away. So we have to at least make sure the buildings are fit for purpose and we have to make sure it's individualized. So for me, it's about governance and management. So just to give you an example, some of the buildings are outdated. So it's very simple, the building is outdated, it needs to be replaced, not in 10 years, not in 12 years, it needs to be replaced now. So that plan should be brought through quite quickly. Instead, what you get is this kind of nonstop, never-ending issue around how we get the building in place. The other issue is basically ensuring your house is in order. So making sure when you have the units, in fairness, the units in letter Kenny, same in Sligo and C-H-O-1, they're good, they're decent units. But for example, letter Kenny fell down because there was still a ligature points there. So it wasn't totally safe. So it's the idea of that shouldn't have to happen. You don't need an inspector to come down from Dublin to tell people who are running their business well, to run their business. So it's as simple as that. It's about governance management. It's set in the bar high. So if the independence and private can do it and some HSC areas can do it, well then all HSC areas. Can I just say to be in fairness to C-H-O-1, which includes letter Kenny, includes there's a new building in Sligo. Cabin falls down because it's in an area in physically down the bottom of Cabin General Hospital. So the people in Donegal are, let's put it this way, I'd rather be in Donegal than in Cork. It's not, it's an okay area. They do quite well in terms of staffing, for example. They seem to hold on to staffing. They're fairly good on the individualized care planning. The premises, it's all about maintenance up there, keeping it up to scratch. Okay. More generally, there were, according to the report, 2,549 involuntary admissions into units, 35% of these were made by Guardi. Is that something that concerns you, that the rate of involuntary admissions made by Guardi? And if so, why? Yeah, well it does concern us and why it concerns us is that when someone has a health issue or a mental health issue, they should be met by the state's health service, not the state's security services. So you shouldn't be met by a criminal justice agency, you should be met by a person who understands mental health. So what that means under the Act, so for example, there was 1,900, just over 1,900 orders for involuntary detention from the community. 689 of them were initiated by Guardi, Shia Khan. And that's higher than in 2020 when it was 614. So think about it, when someone is unwell, meeting them with the Guardi is not the appropriate way. Now can I just say the current law enables the HSE to have people called authorized officers, which are trained people, trained nurses, trained doctors, trained social workers who could go and meet those people even with the Guards. But the idea that the Guards are picking people up and it's actually much more than that. We know from the Guards that they picked up, it could be there was three or 4,000 one year people and only so many of them end up being brought to the units. So that idea, it's just wrong, it's incorrect and it's not an appropriate way to do it at any level. All right, listen, John, thanks for your time this morning. I appreciate it greatly. Look after yourself. And you too, John Farrelly there, who's Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission. On to some of your calls again here now. A caller says there is a zebra crossing with zigzag lines and flashing yellow light beacons at the bottom of the hill going up to the Finn Valley College and drivers don't stop anyway. So what's the excuse there? Probably a good point there. Here's another scenario. You could take in paper plates. This isn't the restaurants. You could take in paper plates and serve it yourself if you didn't want to pay to be served or to use theirs. Then another problem could be everyone could use the restaurant and bring your own food. So yes, the restaurant is right. This is off the back of a caller who was at a party with people in a restaurant. They asked if they could bring a cake to be caught marking an anniversary or a birthday or whatever it might be. The restaurant says yes, no problem. Then when it comes to serve the cake, each slice there was a two year old charge for doing so. I mean, is dessert different to starters? What about if you said that, you know, we all want battered mushrooms. We all want breaded mushrooms for starter and it's not on your menu. Can we bring our own breaded mushrooms in? A caller says, I think the place should be named. We have done this several times and no questions. It just throws a bad light on another place. Name the restaurant. Why name them? Why would we name the restaurant in fairness? It's a private business that's employing local people, paying its water rates, paying its business rates, facing all the challenges that businesses are doing and they've decided to charge two year old plate. If the people don't want to go there, then never return. That's what the caller says. They'd never return, but why name and shame them? It's not like they've interfered with someone on the premises or something. They're charging two year old. It's their business model. You know, the restaurant next door might charge three year old more for a main course. That's the exact same. Do we name and shame them as well? I'm not a big advocate of that. No disrespect. I really do thank you for your text. I just don't see where that gets us. Just wondering if anyone has any information on the scarcity of gluten-free flour. I can't find anything shown for the last two months. Well, of course now, a lot of flour comes from the likes of Ukraine, Russia. Maybe that's part of the problem. Is it that companies are focused on producing regular flour versus the gluten-free stuff? I don't know. Maybe it's the supply issue that's got nothing to do with that. Has anyone any insight into this? The person's living in beautiful in a shown. And for the last two months, they've struggled to get hold of gluten-free flour. Text 08 660 25,000 if you can help that listener with that situation. In 2018, Toyota cut through the confusion, completely ceasing production of diesel passenger cars, lowering harmful emissions and providing certainty for Irish drivers everywhere. And Kelly's Toyota, proud to be part of that hybrid electric journey. Visit Kelly's Toyota, letter Kenny or Mount Charles today to see what makes Toyota Ireland's best-selling car brand in 2021 and 2022. You'll never take a wrong turn with Toyota, built for a better world. Best-selling claim based on most recent monthly figures. New summer footwear at Brian McCormick Sports and Leisure. New Balance, Asics, Brooks and Hoca. Brooks Adrenaline 22 in new colors just arrived. Hoca Clifton 8, new summer colors or Tri-Bond i7 for some extra cushioning. Bounce your way through the summer with the best brands and best fit for your feet. Look the part, play the part, in store or online. Click and collect on bmcsports.ie. Your questions answered on the new rep scheme for more in your farmer's journal is Paul Mooney. Don't miss our two pages of reader questions on the new rep scheme now called Acres. Find out who you can earn up to 10,000 euros a year and how the payment rates compare to reps. Finifall TD tells T-shirt that farmers need new money to tackle climate measures. And in our childcare series, we ask the minister how he plans to reduce childcare fees. Only inside this week's Irish farmer's journal, you cannot afford to miss it. Enjoy the summer fall at the historic Lifford Old Courthouse with activities for all ages. Try to escape from a real sale in jailbreak. Donegal's only escape room activity or experience life as a prisoner in an interactive guided tour with a difference. Lifford Old Courthouse. Find out more at LiffordOldCourthouse.com. Okay, our next guest on the programme now is Charles. Good morning Charles. Good morning Craig, how are you this morning? I'm good, good to speak to you, right? I think you were listening to the senator yesterday. She was speaking about access to contraception. The government has agreed to provide a free contraception primarily to women aged 17 to 25. It's trying to avoid crisis pregnancies and so on and so forth. Is that what you wish to comment on or what's your point, Charles? Well, that's what she meant to them. It has a progressive relationship to abortions from like that there in this country. And what's your issue with that, Charles? Well, how's that? Not so long ago in this country, a word of abortion was not talked about because it was wrong. Yeah, but at the same time though, Charles, you know, hundreds of women every year had to in secrecy and through embarrassment because of perhaps no one talking about it as you described, had to travel elsewhere to have abortion. So because it was a dirty word and it's not a word that would have been used much in our house when I was a child, but it didn't mean it didn't happen. It wasn't as big as to me the doctor with the abortion side in relation to what happened and well, a lot of people even talking to women who are affected by this, women who are affected by issues of losing their baby, women who themselves were against what the government was doing in relation to doing away with the Earth Amendment. Women, majority of women I've talked to said the Earth Amendment saved their lives. How did it save their lives, Charles? In relation to medical complications and also the on-going care. But just in one example, just from my own education, did the woman describe how the 8th Amendment saved their life? I did because I did the entitlement work to equal medical care and also for the baby, which the women I'm being told is not giving them the medical care as they did back then. And would you obviously would be opposed to any abortions, Charles, or in special cases? I am opposed to any abortions, but if you look at the past, I worked with the poor life way back in the 90s, the early 90s. And then when they started working with doctors and everything, we listened to that also. And the doctors told me that they do take care of the women. They take everything in consideration if the tag was viable or not at the time they always put the mother first. So you're saying even with the 8th Amendment abortions were happening anyway? Well, they weren't called abortions. They were called medical interventions. Yeah, but that's just language, Charles. I mean, it's the same thing, isn't it? Well, it's in relation to actual life, death situations. OK, and I mean, from your own personal perspective, obviously, you know, you're never going to get saved. For instance, you know, for example, you're never going to be like a 15-year-old girl who gets pregnant because they didn't understand exactly what's going on, or you're never going to get raped and get pregnant, Charles. Do you feel that you're pregnant? Well, I believe all that is wrong about the child getting raped or in their ancestors or anything else like that. All that was taken care of. How do you mean? Well, in certain situations, if it was an incest case or anything else, it was taken care of right away. How? Are you saying officially it was or people traveled over to England? No, not to travel to England or anything else. Things were taken care of here. Not legally, though. It was illegally being done, isn't it? It was under a legal spotting, yeah. And you'd be in favour of that? Well, the thing is, everything that's happened is misinformation. Even during the last referendum, a lot of misinformation on the poll choice side and it was given out to a lot of people, even doctors, went against that information. OK, right. And do you think things will change in this country, Charles? Is that your view? Well, look at America at the moment. You would celebrate what's happening in America, would you? You'd be happy about it? Well, what I do in relation to the unborn child and also to the rights of the mother. Because in a lot of cases, the mothers didn't want abortions, but they were forced to have abortions. By whom? By family members or everyone. And that's the majority of the cases. Yeah, and would you be involved in, would you be involved in or would you be happy to be involved in maybe adopting some children or fostering them, Charles? You know, just to sort of do your bit to try... Well, that's the thing about it. People should be there to help. Would you be there? Would you do it? Like, you know, like, would you be happy to take it? I would mind doing it. I was allowed to permitted to do so. Did you ever try or...? Well, I have my own child. Yeah. I mean, if it means saving a child, do you know what I mean? If someone was in a crisis pregnancy, I could say, listen, I'll take the child. I'll adopt or raise the child. Yeah, that's it. Did you ever make inquiries about that or...? Well, I wasn't in the position at the time to make inquiries, but in the future, I may do so. Yeah, but can you imagine then, and this is just for the sake of conversation, Charles, like a woman might feel that she's not in a position to have a baby and, you know, she's not in a position to have a baby and rare it or doesn't want to and you're saying... Well, she doesn't have to have an abortion to do that. What she can do is have family take on the responsibility or give it up for adoption. Mm, okay. All right, Charles, listen, thanks for your views. Appreciate it. Thank you very much. And the most thing is that the doctor asked the senator the way she was talking in relation to the progessants, says that Ireland, morally, hasn't become a progessant society. Would you be in favor of the government's decision to give free contraception to people? Well, at an older age, yes, but as a Christian, we were taught it's wrong to take contraception, but as a moral man in certain circumstances, it has to be done. But in relation to what type of converse it is or whatever, is it viable for a woman to do that? In some cases... Are you happy for women to take the pill or to use foil? In relation to the pill, there's also a lot of downsides to taking the pill as well. But would you be... If you were in government, say, for instance, you could make the decision, would you allow women to take the pill? Well, that's in relation to what the women want themselves, but I don't believe that anybody should be forced or anything to do things that they don't want to do. Except have a baby. Well, if a woman wants to have a baby, they don't have a baby, not to force her to have an abortion. OK. Charles, listen, thank you very much for all that. And one thing is that the government needs to look at themselves and the way that they're doing things and have a better faith in the country itself. OK. They're promoting things that are coming from Europe or wherever. Like what kind of stuff? Like a... like a... a circleization of this country. The what? Sorry? The circleization of the country of... Well, people don't seem to have faith anymore. What we have to do is educate our children. We don't need a lot of stuff going through the schools that shouldn't be talking to our children. It's down to the parents to teach their children about the new constitution. OK, OK. Listen, Charles, thanks very much for that. That's Charles there in his views. Fergus joins us now on a completely unrelated topic. It's about the cost of staying in hotels. Fergus, good morning to you. No, Fergus is not there. We'll see if we can get him back after this break. Make this gardening season a lot easier, with the great range of garden equipment at great prices in Watson, Hire, Leicester County. Lawn mowers, streamers and hedge cutters. You'll find us beside Donahue Motorhomes on the Port Road. For an appointment, call 087-647-9121. GMG Stone. Just what your garden needs. Make this gardening season a lot easier with the great range of garden equipment at great prices in Watson, Hire, Leicester County. Lawn mowers, streamers and hedge cutters, scarifiers, power washers and much more for sale and hire. A full range of fertilizers and weed killers and great deals on paint and decorating accessories. All at Watson, Hire. Kill toy, letter, Kenny. For more, see TikTok, Facebook or visit WatsonHire.ie. When spending time at our beaches, rivers and lakes, put water safety first. SAFE always supervises children closely. SAFE wears a life jacket when boating or angling. SAFE swims within your depth and stays within your depth. This is Water Safety Ireland. Better safe than sorry. For advice, visit watersafety.ie supported by the Government of Ireland. At AIB, we know how difficult switching your mortgage can be. The phone calls, paperwork and putting it on the long finger. But when you finally decide to go ahead, AIB are making switching easier. Our switching team are available over the phone in your local branch where you can apply online. Find out more at AIB.ie. AIB, we back believe. Learning criteria, terms and conditions apply. All at Irish Banks PLC is an authorized agent and servicer of AIB Mortgage Bank UC in relation to the origination and servicing of mortgage loans and mortgages. All at Irish Banks PLC and AIB Mortgage Bank UC are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. OK, let's see if Fergus is there now. Can you hear me OK, Fergus? I can, Greg. Yes, I can. OK, now you were talking, you've been talking to us about the cost of not going away, but it's the cost that you face before you even get out of the country. Tell us your experience, Fergus. Well, that's correct, Greg. January of this year, I flew out to Lanzarote and I paid 110 for a hotel going out and the 80-year-old for the hotel coming back. Now, the 80-year-old was for the Clinton Hotel and the Airport Hotel coming back because there was a 10% reduction on their website. Now, recently I went to book that same hotel, the Clinton Hotel, and for flying back on the 16th of July, it's 369 for an overnight stay. Wow. And I paid 80-year-old for that in January. And the Carton Hotel and the Airport Hotel as well is 395-year-old for an overnight stay. And going out on the 6th, it's 269 for the Clinton and 369 for the Carton. Now, we were going to book something, but it's too expensive to book the hotels at that rate. And we went to look at the car park in them and I have used it years ago and I went to book it there recently. And for the 10 days stay in the car park, it is now 165-year-old for 10 days in the Longstay Cart Park in Dublin Airport. Now, I mean, obviously it depends on people's situations, but I would say a lot of people, I mean, I know people out in Turkey, they're paying 15-year-old per night for their accommodation and it's pretty good. But even in maybe not so much Lanzarote, but certainly parts of Portugal, Spain, that one-night stay in Dublin would probably exceed what people are paying for their accommodation for the week's holiday. Those two nights going out coming back wouldn't really get you a holiday out for you. I was looking at the website though that sort of aggregates Dublin hotel accommodation and there was 1% of hotel rooms vacant. Is it just the fact that there's not enough rooms, Fergus, or do you think there's gouging going on? There's gouging going on, definitely. That's overpricing there. If you go to the Clinton Hotel now for January again, 2023, it's costing you 99-year-old. So, you know, people are not going to afford those prices and people are going to look elsewhere. Next time I look, I'll be looking at knock or Belfast. Oh, yes, yes. Those prices are... A much better experience anyway, but you see, we're talking about outbound travel, Fergus, but look at what's, what impacts is this going to have on us as a destination? I mean, we're already, as we know, one of the most expensive countries to live in. Who would come here unless they've got very deep pockets between the accommodation, the cost of a drink, the cost of food. And I'm not talking about necessarily here in the northwest, but you know, if you're flying somewhere, you probably check the landing destination, which would be Dublin. I mean, it's going to do us terrible damage, I think, on an international scale, for inward-bound traffic. This year's going to do a lot of damage with those prices because people are going to, they might do it once, but they're not doing it again. You know, for tourists in Ireland, like the minister was on yesterday, Pasco had done it, and he was complaining about this. And he was saying to the hotels, don't expect me to come and bail you out again after this. Yeah, but he says that, but they don't do anything about it. They keep waving this knife. They do it. No, no, talk. Talk, it's all talk, usually, you know. Right, Fergus, listen, I hope you go away, hope you enjoy yourself. Thanks for your time this morning. Okay, Greg. All right, take care, Fergus. Thank you very much indeed. Lots to come in the next hour, including some live music for you, but at 11 o'clock it's time for a news update. Good morning, Emma Ryan. Thanks, Greg. Good morning. A man with Down syndrome who had to remain in hospital under delayed discharge due to a lack of funding for adequate care has moved to his new home. The man in his 50s had been offered a place in a nursing home under the fair deal scheme, but was unable to avail of the place as funding was not granted. However, the funding was approved on Monday, and the man moved out of hospital into new accommodation yesterday. Our railway campaigner believes a cross-border railway would be a massive game changer for the county. Consultant Richard Logue believes a real network in Donegal could be easily reintroduced with a line from letter Kenny to Derry, and leading on to Dublin. An inquest has ruled that a soldier was unjustified in firing shots that killed Derry woman Kathleen Thompson more than 50 years ago. Kathleen Thompson, a mother of six, was shot dead at the back of her home in Cregan by British soldiers in 1971. Setting out a summary of her findings yesterday, coroner or judge Sandra Crawford found that a soldier known as Soldier D was responsible for her death and that the shooting was unjustified. The quality of public mental health facilities remains a primary concern of the Mental Health Commission for the fifth year running. The commission's latest report shows patients are typically offered a better level of care in private facilities. 36% of domestic wastewater treatment systems inspected in Donegal in 2021 failed inspections. The Environmental Protection Agency, which released its annual report today, revealed that 121 septic tanks were inspected by Donegal County Council in 2021. The Taoiseach met with US President Joe Biden in Madrid last night. Michael Martin and President Biden agreed to speak again soon with the US leader expressing his fondness for Irish poets. And finally, a shortage of teachers correcting the leaving cert and junior short exams is going to put the State Examination Commission in a difficult position according to an education expert. The SEC has faced shortages of correctors this year, which has been cited as one of the reasons for the delay in this year's leaving cert results being published. That's all for now. We'll be back with news again at 12 noon. All right, Emma, thank you very much. Mmm, the strawberries and cream frappe and Belgian milk chocolate frappe have arrived at McDonald's. Enjoy the taste of summer with the McCafe Ice Range. Whistling Strawberries and cream until the 26th of July contain strawberry flavouring only, Belgian milk chocolate until the 6th of September, not available on delivery, participating restaurants only, subject to availability. OK, you're very welcome back to the programme. Right, let's get to some of your comments here now. Before we do, actually, we'll go straight to our next guest, who is Jim Moriarty, his senior inspector in wastewater enforcement with the EPA. Did you know 36% of domestic wastewater treatment systems inspected in Donegal in 2021 failed in inspections? Jim, good morning to you. Good morning, Greg. So, how do we fare in the national picture, Jim? Overall, Donegal fares a little bit better than average. The national figures are that just over half of 70 tanks inspected in 2021 failed, 53% failed, and the Donegal figure at 36% is better than that, but obviously, that's still, you know, nearly 4 out of 10 70 tanks inspected are failing, so we're keen to see that we're further identified that the follow-through is taken both at the householder and the council level to ensure that the identified faults are fixed. So, what is the criteria for a failure or an inspection for that matter and whose responsibility is it, and how good are we following up to see if improvements have been made? Yeah, the EPA sets out the criteria for what 70 tank inspections should, you know, cover, because often 70 tanks are in the farthest corner of your field and they can be out of sight and out of mind, and very often they're put in when the house is built and they're left there, and that's not acceptable really, there is a need to regularly maintain these systems to dislodge them, to keep an eye on any mechanical systems like pumps that might be there, and if you do that, then they run well, but where you don't, like anything, problems can kind of arise, and they do present a risk to human health because harmful bacteria and, you know, can escape through leaking a system, through overflows and so on, and can contaminate wells and cause issues. And is that when they fail, when the overflow or what have you is impacting on the likes of streams and what have you? Is that how they fail, or on what other grounds are these septic tanks failing? Yeah, those are the main ones which are of concern to us. I mean, the ones that impact human health and the environment are the key ones that we look out for, and we really follow those through to ensure that they're fixed, and broadly speaking, across the country, you know, three quarters of identified issues are picked up on, and the householders do when they're given a notice that tells them what has to be done, follow through and fix it, but there's over 500 cases that over two years after the issues being pointed out, they still haven't been fixed, and that's a concern. Donegal fears better actually, 82% of failures identified there have been fixed, so again, that's above the national average, but there's no room for complacency, and when a fault is found really, it's incumbent on the householder to fix it and the local authority to ensure that they do fix it. 121 septic tanks inspections were carried out. I mean, it's not even really probably a decent sample of what the situation actually is. If we keep going at it like this, and of course, obviously, Jim, you're doing the PR element of it with us today. I mean, where's the problem going to be fixed? What's fixing the problem? You know what I mean? Yeah, I mean, there are about 1,000 sections carried out across the country every year. That's increasing. The EPA publishes a national inspection plan that'll go up to 1,200 inspections, but still that's a small number compared to the number of septic tank systems that are there. Dunygawd, for example, has over 30,000 septic tank systems, so 121 inspections is a drop in the ocean of those, but we are targeting them at areas that are close to waterways. So if your septic tank is within 100 meters of a waterway, be it at a stream or a lake or whatever, or if you have a household well, we target asbestos as well. There are areas of higher risk to ensure that we get the most information from it, and really the message is to maintain your system, not to put it in and to leave it there, but to check it every year, make sure it works, to de-escalate it, and if people do that, they won't get any great surprise when a local charity inspector does come and inspect the system that they have. Obviously, we're all under pressure at the moment, Jim, and we're looking at where we can save money or cut back. Do you fear that with an increased cost of living rather than making inroads, we might actually see the situation worsen? Well, I'm not sure. I think myself that there is a good grant system there. There's been over 2 million given out to householders to help them to rectify issues that are found. So the government is coming in behind it to make finance available to help people. I think it's like a running cost to the house, like a boiler, you maintain that every year and make sure the filters are changed, make sure the fuel oil doesn't get blocked and so on. Septic tanks are just like that. People have to have a sale or a system. You don't want a leaking septic tank. You don't want sewage in your garden. You don't want to escape into a stream, but very often you don't see that happening. So the mixture of awareness, you know, erasing, but in some cases where falls that are identified are not fixed, then enforcement will have to follow. You talked about grants there. I just wonder is enough being done to empower the people with information? You know, the will might be there. They just need to be shown the way. When you talk about grants, what options are there and what can people do with it? Yeah, there's information available on the EPA website. The EPA doesn't administer the grants. The local authorities take care of that. With the advisory notices that are issued, when inspections are carried out, information and leaflets are handed out on the grant systems that are there. So there are assistance schemes for people to avail of. So really, there's no excuse for 40 septic tanks to go unfixed for prolonged periods of time. All right, thank you very much for that. That's Jim Morarty, who is a senior inspector in waste water enforcement with the EPA. Right, just some more of your comments coming in here now. We were asking the question as it relates to the restaurant who charged people two-year-old for cutting the cake. I call this as the restaurant is right here. The customers are taking up their table using their cutlery and plates, but want to have their own food and use it for free. Some would apply to bringing, same would apply to bringing your own star to remain caused to the premises. If you really want to, just present the cake, but at home, don't have dessert in the restaurant, or just ask in advance, maybe. That might be no harm. Your listener was asking about GF flour. You can get gluten-free flour in Tesco and Netro-Kennie. It's called free from. Okay, but this person was in and shown, so we appreciate that help, by the way. But if there's any heads up, you can give us for the in a shown area. That would be greatly appreciated too. Whilst we're on the subject of looking for food items, Greg, can you ask listeners where in Netro-Kennie can you buy Donegal Rape Seed Oil? Greg, that restaurant isn't doing itself any favors. If you had a crowd for a meal and drinks, bringing a cake isn't usually a problem. I was at a function at the weekend, and the cake was cut for dessert. We paid for the meal and tea, and there was plenty of drinks sold. That comes in from Mary there. A call that says, where a full post office needs a zebra crossing, the road's very busy and very dangerous. They fear that somebody may be knocked down. Well, here's hoping they're not. Another on that issue, for God's sake. Stop at the zebra pedestrian crossing, folks. Put your stop hand up at traffic to stop. What is the motorist's hurry through town? Typical Donegal ignore rules. We just need to be clear what the rules are, but thank you very much indeed. Hi, Greg. I sat on the Main Street in Ballet Buffet and observed the crossing outside the guarder station, and truth is, I didn't see anyone using it. Anyone who crossed just crossed like before between the cars. Okay. What's that called? Curb crawling. Back to the cake. Bring your own cake and knife. No, it shouldn't. Bring your own cake and knife. No, it shouldn't. We are being charged for every little bit now. Any wonder there's a cost of living crisis. Another caller says, well, we got charged for the knife at our wedding, so no surprise there. Well, that is pretty tight. Another caller believes it's fair enough. They do bring outside plates and napkins. Another caller says, well, actually, it's a Facebook user. Well, if it's only coffee all around at 11am, or 11am, then yeah, if it's after a two-course meal in the evening, no enough spent. Okay, so in other words, if you just wanted to go in for a cup of tea or coffee and bring your own cake, you couldn't be charged for that. Sorry, you should be charged for that. But if it's after a two-course meal in the evening, this person believes you've already spent enough, the cake cutting should be free. A caller says, if you don't like it, and this is their simple advice, stay at home. A caller on a separate topic says, Christian Ireland is dead and gone. Now, a secular country. I think we shouldn't always presume that people of a certain religious persuasion have their own views. I think then what it comes down to is, well, you know, you call yourself a Christian, but really are you? And then you have Christians calling out other Christians for not being Christian enough. It's very complicated. I'll try and avoid it where possible. A caller says, we were told at the 12-week scan that our child would not survive beyond birth and would likely die before birth. That wee girl is happy four-year-old now, which is good to hear. It's not good to hear if you're experienced, but it's good to hear that of the positive outcome. All right, our next guest on the way. And in our childcare series, we ask the minister how he plans to reduce childcare fees. Only inside this week's Irish Farmers' Journal. You cannot afford to miss it. If you're thinking of changing some furniture, a huge sale is now on at McGinley's furniture in Aberkenny. It's a chance to save hundreds of euros on floor-model suites, beds and mattresses, dining and occasional furniture with reductions in all departments. It's a great opportunity to grab a real bargain in the big sale now on at McGinley's Furniture on the Joe Bonerlink Road, Ladder County. See McGinley's Furniture.com. Hi, you're very welcome back to the programme. Delighted to welcome on to it right now. Josephine Kelly, project officer with Cardina Erigle. Good morning to you. Thanks so much for joining us. Good morning and thanks for inviting me on. And I see Erigle in all its resplendent beauty over your right shoulder there. Not live, but still it's nice to see. Nice to see you. I don't know. This thing is here today. I know, exactly. But look, next week we'll be here shortly. Josephine, talk to us about your group. In English, it's Friends of Erigle. It was formed over a decade ago, because perhaps you kind of could see where things were going and wanted to do something about it. Is that right? That's right. Yeah, the local community there in Don Louie, the local community development is for Bridgeville, and they could see for a long time that there was a lot of damage and that being done on the mountain because of people climbing and it was through no fault of the climbers themselves. They were just looking for a drier route up the mountain and they were just, every time they would go up, it was a little bit muddier and the width of the damage was getting wider and wider. So the local community group there approached the county council and just asked if there was anything that could be done. So that was back in 2011. So it's taken until now. It's been a long process, but it's been well worth it because there was a lot of different stages that had to go through to get to where we are now at the minute. And it's, I think people might not realize how popular Aragull is actually with climbers and we have a fair idea, don't we? Yeah, well, like there were counters installed there back probably about five years ago, and I think the numbers at that time were about 40,000 every year. But like a lot of things during the pandemic, Aragull became extremely popular with climbers, particularly for like sunrise and sunset hikes. So there was a lot of people, a lot of more people coming and a lot more social media presence not there about the mountain as well. So like we just found that the event we had there last week drew an awful lot of attention. And it's all good feeling about the mountain. Everybody wants to make sure that the mountain is protected for future generations to enjoy. Yeah. And so it's a culmination of sort of a lot of effort and a lot of cooperation that we're starting to see now. Things that, and it's not like no one wanted to go up there to protect the mountain and to make it a better experience for people. So what's been done to date? Yeah. So, well, first of all, I would like to thank the landowners because a lot of people maybe don't realize Aragull is owned by the, a lot of landowners in there and don't live in. It's with their permission that this project's going ahead. So the contractors were appointed and they started on site in mid-April. And there was a large piece of work that was done there near the end of May where a lot of people would have seen the social media of the helicopter and that coming in and doing work. So there's roughly about 1.4 kilometer of an aggregate path that has now been constructed up through the lower section of the mountain through the bog there. And that will now concentrate people on that narrower line and allow the rest of the bog to recover. And what we're asking people is that, you know, be very conscious that this is still a construction site, but that if you are climbing the mountain to use that path, but as well, maybe just to consider maybe just holding off climbing just for now until the work is complete. The next stage then will be the pitch path and the sections further off the mountain and that will be where they're going to be constructing steps. So a large piece of work was done in a short period of time, where the slow work starts where those stone steps and that they're going to be constructed and they're using actual material there on the mountain and there's no cement or anything being used. And these are specialist contractors. They're called McGown Environmental Engineering and they have been doing this work all over Scotland and even I think in Iceland and that now as well. So they're experts of what they do. Yeah, it's a huge undertaking, isn't it? It is, yeah. It's like a six to eight months piece of work and some of the lads that are there have come over from Scotland, but there's also a couple of local lads that have been employed during the construction that as well. So they're learning just about the whole path building experience and that there. And it's good for them as well that they can look back that they were involved in the construction of this path. And this happened just at the right time, didn't it? Because things as you've kind of mentioned were getting quite critical. They were, yeah, and it was getting to a stage where the habitat was going to be beyond repair. So hopefully now with the path constructed and the people are concentrated in that narrow line, the less damaged parts of the mountain will be given a chance now to recover by themselves. But interventions are going to have to be done as well. There will have to be a habitat restoration work, will have to be done. If you're passing on the road and you look up, there's a very badly scarred section of the mountain. And so work will be done on that there later in the year to try and help to recover and to cover it. But it's going to be a lovely experience now climbing the mountain. Even if you don't go up all the way, even if you just go to the call, to the part of the mountain between Errigal and Macroth, you get fabulous views of the north face of Errigal down into Clohonili. So, you know, if Errigal mountain, the whole experience might not be for everybody, you know, you can go up that lower section now and your feet are dry and it's a much nicer experience. But this, I must have to say as well, this project is more than just about Errigal and constructing a path on Errigal. There's been, a management plan has been developed for the mountain because we know that car parking is a big issue there. And it's a special area conservation, so the car park itself can't be increased. So we're looking at how we can handle the increased traffic that we know is going to come now. So we're looking at ways of bringing that traffic into Don Louie and parking in Don Louie and possibly a shuttle bus service out to the mountain or a hard path that people can walk on if they decide to park in Don Louie. And then, as I said, the mountain's not for everybody. So we're looking at developing a suite of other walks and walking routes in that area to create diversity and to get people to stay because we find that a lot of people are coming, climbing the mountain and returning home again because they don't know what else is available so we want to be able to provide other facilities and that for them as well. All right, great to see such a level of, you know, things being so proactive in the local community and great stuff, Josephine. Thanks so much for outlining all that for us this morning. Okay, thank you. All right, take care of yourself. Thank you very much indeed. That was Josephine Kelley, project officer with Carginate Errigal. Means friends of Errigal, of course. And good to see that work ongoing. Okay, we're going to have some live music for you in studio shortly. We're going to take a quick pre-recorded musical break to allow us to set up. Stay right where you are. You're going to enjoy it. Brian Adams and Ron to you. So we're going to switch from pre-recorded music to live music now and I'm really pleased to welcome into studio the Midnight Preachers. They are Owen McSheen. Good morning to you, Owen. Thanks so much for joining us. Thanks for having me. Oh, it's great to have you in. Also, we have Colin Kenny, who's on drums. Hi, Colin. Good to have you with us as well. And Ema McLaughlin, bass and vocals. Hi, Ema. Hi. How are you all getting on? Good. Are you getting on fine? Yeah, good. Yeah, good. And join the nice weather out there today. Yeah, and it's only going to get better and better. What's the last few years been for you? It's not necessarily the COVID context. We've exhausted those conversations. But in terms of, you know, the process of performing, they're not performing, writing, getting new music out there. And we'll talk about sort of a really nice development in that regard. How are you happy with the progress of things? Yeah, it's been really good since COVID. Poor Colin joined us what the week that COVID started. So we had about 18 months of practicing, which was good, which we needed. So yeah, now it's been good. I think it definitely obviously had its negatives, but it allowed us a lot of time to write and record. So we did a lot of that. And yeah, we've been sort of going full tilt since things have been picking up again. Very good. What kind of gigs is a lot of festival stuff? A lot of festivals. You didn't get the call for Glastonbury yet? No, I didn't answer the phone that day. So I had a missed call from... You thought it was the spam calls? I thought it was, yeah. I got a lot of them like... Did you watch much of it? No. Did you, Colin, yeah? Yeah, always around watching it. I think it's great TV, isn't it? You know, and you get to see all different types of stuff. If you stopped in it, you wouldn't normally see it. Yeah, exactly, yeah. I mean, I'd say it should be a brilliant experience there, just meandering around the place. But anyway, listen, we'll talk a bit more, but you're going to do two for us. So what are you going to play for us first one? So the first one that we're going to do is Two The Crows. We put this out on the 14th of June. It was a little bit of a departure for us. It's kind of a more acoustic type thing. And yeah, it's been a good response so far. Brilliant stuff, okay. And it's being used quite prominently in a film as well, which I'll talk to you about after we hear live now for you Two The Crows, the latest single from The Midnight Preachers. Right, now that's Two The Crows, which was it written for this movie that's coming out? Or did they hear it and thought, right, this would fit into what we're trying to... They heard about 30 seconds of it and they said they really wanted it for the film. So we had a day to write the rest of it. So you only have 30 seconds... I thought they'd listened to 30 seconds of the finished track. No, it was like the roughest demo on a phone. And they were like, yeah, we might use that, we'll get back to you. And about six months later, they were like, yeah, so do you want to use that song? Can you send it to us? And we're going, yeah, no bother. So we had to write the rest of it and record it. And from memory we had a verse or maybe two verses. So you'd come up with the chorus in the middle eight and the solo and actually record it as well. And did you know what the film was about at this stage? No. Right, okay, so you didn't have to feel that you had to fit whatever was to follow into... And what does it mean in terms of sort of like exposure and reach and getting the name out there to get that kind of a call out? Imagine it's not necessarily, you're not all going to retire off the back of it, but it's about presumably getting your art out there to more people. I don't know if you saw, but Colin pulled up in a Ferrari outside. Was that yours? Why do you wrap it in a white van? I was looking at the New Tesla. No, yeah, no, it's been great, a really good response. And it's a great thing to be able to say, I think personally, it's like a pride thing for us to know that we can sit in the house and record that. Yeah, and it's kind of, you know, it's other people that you don't know with no motivation saying, actually, you know, we love what you did there and we want more of it. Yeah. Does that open doors for that type of thing? Can you get a reputation as sort of a good outfit for... We're on the radio right now. Yeah, of course. Well, it can only go up. Come here. In terms of the pandemic, I'm not talking about that in an obvious way, but just in terms of your development and growth as a van, because you released an EP in 2020 kind of at the start of it, and that was well received and probably ordinarily, you kind of kick on from that. And it's like, you think, right, well, this is the start of it. But then you were caught in your tracks. Did you lose some momentum there? Or are you reflecting it sort of retrospectively saying, look, everything happens for a reason or what? Definitely feel like it was a drop in the ocean because not only was it difficult for us to follow up with gigs and that, it was also everybody was releasing things right at that time. Everybody was sitting at home writing and recording and putting things out. PR people were pushing things and it did get a great response, but given the fact that we couldn't even really go and film videos. It was a flash in the pan when it really could have been something much more significant. And I always thought to at that time, if you had really good songs, and I think maybe the charts probably felt the brunt of this, you're going to hold stuff back, aren't you? You know what I mean? You mean you didn't, but I can imagine if you're, depending on your, I mean, if you're like a Ned Sheeran, it doesn't matter really, you can just, he releases a million songs at once. But you know what I mean? If you were sort of trying to build to something, there is a pattern to follow to some extent. It's like, you know... Yeah, it has been difficult. One of the things that really helped us during the pandemic was playing at the Baller Theatre because they weren't restricted in the same way that other places were. So they could have, you know, like an audience of, I think it was 50 as long as they were socially distanced. So we played there a good few times. Shout out to Connor, if you're listening. He's a cool dude, Connor, isn't he? Yeah, he is. Not much seems to phase in. Well, that's the only side of him I see. No, he's a cucumber. But yeah, no, so it was great playing there. And that was one of the things that we were able to do because I think with the pub thing, it was just so like up and down. And I think too, not unlike myself here, do you have a bit of an obsession with social media and content and getting stuff out there? I see a second gear up here. I mean, it's important, isn't it? Yeah, the modern musician is a web developer, a video maker, a PR person, a social media expert. I don't think, I'm not judging you, Colin, but you don't look like necessarily the person who's driving the social media element of this. That's what you're saying. That's very awkward. You're a bit chilled for that. Yeah, all right, okay. And in terms of gigs, upcoming gigs, what have you got lined up? So on Saturday, we're in Blake's at four and Sister Sarah's at eight for the Letter County Roots and Blues Festival. And then on Sunday, we're on the main stage at the Montcran Music Festival. Shout out to De'Barre, if you're listening. So it's a great lineup. It's us, Levengro, Lea Hart, the Fratellis, and Hudson Taylor. Yeah, who needs Larson, Brie? Yeah, exactly. We might be free for it next year. Just answer the call. See what they have to say. I get a lot of spam. Okay, so by the way, that film, if I'm pronouncing it correctly, actually, I don't have it written in front of me here, I was trying to remember. Azulu, is it? Or Azuli. It's a cinema release as well. It's fantastic. I just think it's really nice to get that kind of recognition and who's to say where that might go from here. Right, okay. Alright, from you's okay, or else there's no point bringing in the drum kit. So what are we going to do next? This is a tune called Summertime, and this was the last single we put out before to the Crows. Last, was it August last year? It was. And yeah, so a nice happy summary tune. Alright, let's go. That's lovely stuff. Brilliant. Whose idea is it to break in the middle with... I love that. Yours I think. I can't remember. Don't blame me. No, I think it's brilliant. I love it. It reminds me of a cake. I'm not big into music, by the way, so I'm bluffing here. Just when something's done a bit different. Yeah, that's cool. Alright, that's fantastic. So remind us where people can catch you live again. Yes, so we're in Blake's at four on Saturday after the fantastic Davy Kay and we're in Sister Sarah's at eight and then five o'clock in Montcran on Sunday. Brilliant stuff. You can check out the midnight pre-sures on social media as well if you want access to them that way. They're on Spotify as well. And keep an eye out for that new film that's coming out which the name escapes me again. Berserly. Yeah, exactly. It's got to be streamed in cinemas and that track, the first track to the Crows features on that, which is a brilliant achievement as well. Thank you very much for calling in. I really appreciate it. I used to get musicians performing early in the day. It's not ideal. It's not what you're used to. Yeah, usually we're in bed. Well, no, I didn't say that. Now that'd be stereotypical. I'm not judging like that there, but I presume you don't do many 11am gigs is all I'm saying. No, no. Right, okay. I think that Tesla's charged now. Colin, you can... Okay, those were the midnight pre-sures Owen McShean. I pronounced that correctly, Owen, am I? Right, okay. Sorry about that. You should have told me to begin without. My apologies. Ema McLaughlin who was on bass and vocals there and you also heard from Colin, Kenny. We'll be back with more on the programme after we take this break. 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Call us today or visit our website to find out more on all other branded vehicles. Travel Department, let's see more. OK, let's get to some of your comments here now. Big shout out to all the staff in the National County COVID Test Centre. Most of them are being let go today. They've provided a great service to the county. We wish them well in the future. It's a pity the HSC and government didn't look after them all that well. Now, I haven't heard of that before, but if anyone's affected by that please feel free to get in touch with us. We were speaking about Errigal Hill Walkers on Errigal for a few years. The more people, the less wildlife. The path looks ridiculous. Is it just about money in the local community? The motivations are honest and it's about recognising that it's a facility for everyone and how do you allow people to continue to use it, but ensure it's there for other people to use into the future. I don't know the ins and outs of it, but that's the impression I got. By the way, you can get gluten-free flour in Supervaluing Carandana. Also, the best cutters in Carandana have self-raising and plain in response to that listener earlier on. Supervaluing Carandana have gluten-free flour or food for thought health shop. Now, these aren't the only places, but our great listeners heard the calls from a person earlier on looking for gluten-free flour and we're answering those calls in the initial area. Charles, it's a woman's choice. Your thinking is backward, says a caller. Hi, Greg. Abortion may be legally in Ireland, but remember the women of Donegal voted against abortion on life and one will never vote for it. I'll always be on the side of the little beings who have no voice of their own. We all get a fair chance at life, but we see and there's no point re-debating all of this, but that's to presume then that a woman doesn't have a fair chance at life or they have to make a decision whereby their well-being, be it their emotional or physical well-being, is put behind that of an unborn. But that being said, you know, we don't vote on these things county by county, we vote on these things nationally and it was a national vote, but the people of Donegal had their say. Greg, the difference between a medical intervention that results in the death of a baby is different to the intentional killing of the baby as the figures for abortion show. Forced birthers have no idea why they're doing, why they're doing to pregnant women or what they're doing, girls and people overriding their rights to their body and quail surprise, anti-contraception, forcing his religion down people's throats. Maybe I need to be more I mean it's very hard, I feel it very difficult for me, right, to intervene in someone's own situation like that. It doesn't affect me, it's not doesn't affect me, it can't affect me physically, it can't affect me, I just don't feel I'm in a position necessarily, and this is not to say one way or other, by the way, in case people jump jump on it to sort of personally me, I can't put myself in that position because I'm incapable of doing or finding myself in a situation that some people do. For comparison I booked, this relates to hotel airports in and around Dublin for flying out For comparison, I booked 12 days in July at Dublin Airport long term flew back in March, for 77 year same dates if booked today would be 163 year old, book as early as possible would seem to be the best policy, that's as it relates to car parking charges Greg, I came to letter Kenny this morning to do some shopping on the main street, I cannot believe people sitting along the footpath begging for food, what has happened to our country, this is very intimidating and feeling bad after passing can these people be taken in and fed somewhere? Unfortunately that's a reality it shouldn't, it doesn't have to be a reality but we're seeing more of it ok, let's take a break and we'll come back with more after these top local independent shops and loads of great places to eat it has to be letter Kenny there's fantastic choice and value for money throughout the town so for a special summer shopping experience make it a day out in letter Kenny see shoplk.ie ok, I was contacted by a health shop now I don't want to mention them just as a via because I didn't get permission to but it gives an interesting insight they said I no longer stock gluten free flour due to, it's simply a lack of demand but if the lady in the show and contacts us I can order her some no bother and they checked with the supplier and the supplier has plenty of stock so I was supposing that maybe it could be a stock issue but that person who was in the shop who was in the shop maybe it could be a stock issue but that person who runs that health shop there says that they don't stock it anymore because it was sitting on the shelves there wasn't a huge demand for it which is an interesting insight and it's very much appreciated but if, and I'm not sure where they are as it relates to the listener but they would be happy to get it in because there's plenty of stock available from suppliers just let me get through a couple of requests here because I didn't get a chance to mention them after the news some people having some special days today and Griffin, a very happy birthday from Jeanette and all the dancing gang catch up at the weekend for drinks sounds wonderful Hi Greg, can you please say happy birthday to our son Owen McDonough he's 14 years old today Owen is from Routh Mullen could you please play Live It Up by Mental as anything from Mum and Dad I didn't get around to that and we had live music in so it was a wee bit hamstrung but look, we dedicate the songs from the Midnight Preachers a brilliant local band there 14 years of age heading towards all the big exciting stuff in life a tool kit was lost in Caragart it fell out of a van so if you come across it and I'm absolutely sure someone has did you find a tool kit on Main Street Caragart today it's owner obviously the tools of their trade very keen to get it back so if you found that tool kit with the owner of that Martina McGill's in Fintown happy birthday Martina from all the McGills in Clotham and Fintown now we read today that a major road project on the outskirts of Letter Kenney is facing a two month delay that could potentially posh it into the busy Christmas shopping period Donegal County Council said problems at international level around the supply of materials is to blame for the hold up in completing the four lanes scheme the Kahir lock of the Letter Kenney Municipal Milford District Municipal District is Councillor Donal Mandi Kelly haven't spoken to you since you took up that role so firstly congratulations to you Donal Thanks Greg and thanks very much as well Greg and good morning to all your listeners as well Right Donal tell us this is worrying the sounds of it it's outside of our control as a county is that your understanding what have you been told Donal Yeah Greg it's worrying unless and I suppose it is out of our control I don't have a brief conversation with the contact there in yourself that's what's made aware of this they are running with maybe 8 to 10 weeks behind which is not ideal but I suppose to be first of honour to Greg and not try to be too negative on it at the start of this project there was an issue with Covid that did hold things up and since that was the cost of raised materials and I suppose as well we have to be realistic that maybe the wire is playing part in this as well to get materials in from others and stuff like that and the price of materials it has put a delay in this project but less than I suppose a delay they are talking maybe 8 to 10 weeks that's going to run on to November time but the contact that has made me aware like I have raised the issue of them you are coming on to a busy time of year you are coming on to Christmas time or people are out doing their shopping we don't want any delays if you are referring to me it has made me aware that they are going to continue to keep the topics growing to the best of their ability with the shape of the measures always number one are they looking Donald are they looking for any changes to the contract in terms of say for instance when work is done or you mentioned the rising cost of materials do you know if the contractor is seeking any changes to the contract no no word of that Greg everything is still they are looking with a steady plan ahead to have the work completed as quickly as possible but I suppose to have it as effective as possible as well as I say Greg safety is number one I have made them aware that safety is on board at all times which the contractor has made me aware that the safety is always going to be number one they are going to try to keep the traffic flowing as good as possible as possible and that we all try to have the work straight up before we come on to the real busy season of Christmas which that I suppose it has its positives and negatives but the outbound laying of the money Greg I suppose that is maybe 5% complete so with the outbound now that they are focused on I have asked as well that more work continues through the night to alleviate the traffic congestion as well and that is not to be fair to the contractor Greg has taken everything that I have expressed my concerns on board just out of interest in the conversation did they mention what type of materials that are difficult to get internationally at the moment there is no mention Greg to be quite honest about what kind of materials you know we had a brief conversation on the cost of materials there was a cost for none for this project at the start and materials are rising all the time that we are fully aware of and I suppose they are trying to keep within the budget as well from the prices I suppose from the very start I mean materials up and up and up I suppose they are trying to work closely Greg to try to have all the materials without having to go on the well over budget which you know you have to look in the past so it is not necessarily about the availability of the materials you get the impression that they are actually the delay is in sourcing materials at a lower price yeah well there was a delay in getting materials but from the talks there now the biggest end of it is there I suppose affordable prices if you like and not going out over budget but the materials that they need it is there it is a matter of just pushing forward now traffic moving and keeping safety number one and trying to get this done as quickly as possible but it is very important that the job is done right as well Greg that means I know 8 to 10 weeks is not sufficient but it means that the workers are going to be done to a very high standard at the end of the day this is the main artery and to let the kidney and you know it does not run any longer than they are talking about they have made me aware that it won't so please God that is the case Greg OK listen thank you very much indeed for that that is Councillor Mandy Kelly I don't know what materials might you import internationally is it fill or tar or is it barriers or piping I don't know but they do so we were asking again online about the cake someone was charged €2 per slice of cake cost cut they took it into a restaurant it was their third course effectively they bought drinks, starters, mains and all that kind of stuff but the company wanted to charge them €2 per plate effectively for the cake this caller says in my opinion yes of course I would pay it is a business even if the establishment staff applied sounds about it consider this please bring your own cake means you are reducing the likelihood of desserts at that table yet still occupying that table whilst eating your own cake you are requiring continued service from staff, cutlery and plates that have been purchased, washed, dried, delivered used, collected, washed again, dried again put away again and stored for the purpose of having diners eat at the food provided in that establishment if the current financial crisis is an issue buy what you need and do all that work yourself an entertainment home a service charge is the decent thing another if you are eating the cake not buying desserts then staff have to bring the knife plates, cutlery, serviettes and when they are done tidy up and wash those items people also spend more time at the table eating the cake which doesn't benefit the restaurant much especially if they have just come for teas and coffees and not had a meal time equals money they say I don't think it is completely crazy to charge but haven't seen it done oh no, oh god they will be charging they will be charging to use the seating next well I presume the cost of the seating is included but I understand where you are coming from another a bit like Ryanair they will soon be charging us for a seat disgraceful people are very polarised in their views isn't it we all have our views don't we and it's 50-50 so far 50% saying no we support that business 50 saying name and shame never go there again and you know real diverse opinions there Greg from what I can find in the rules of the road and crossings there are zebra crossings pelican crosses, toucan crossings and puffing crossings but there's no such thing as a courtesy crossing in the rules of the road that I can find anywhere zebra crossing should have two sets of flashing amber beacons known as Belicia beacons on crossings marked with black and white stripes so if that is supposed to be a zebra crossing in Ballet Buffet it should have amber flashing lights to warn motorists and all road users that comes in from Mary Stee I would agree with you I think why not have beacons try something up here have you seen the likes of it anywhere else listen we know it's not the end of the world but it potentially could be life and death right ok that is where we have to leave it on the program today I was going to try and get to a few more comments but unfortunately I am out of time we're out of time don't forget coming up on tomorrow's program we have the friday panel talking about the big stories of the week and also then after 11 Michael and Finula the shows back together we'll be right back