Today we address public sector industrial action, local council measures to safeguard rural pubs, bureaucratic traps in housing, family health campaigns, retrofitting grants, and seasonal gardening advice.
Inside Today’s Episode:
🗞️ The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.
🪧 Public Sector Work-to-Rule Action: SIPTU representative Cathal Gallagher joins Greg to discuss the work-to-rule industrial action initiated across local authorities and state agency sectors. Cathal outlines worker frustrations over ongoing delays in ratifying a new public service pay agreement, explaining how the action will impact local council services.
🍺 Targeted Support for Rural Pubs: Councillor Martin Harley, representing the Donegal Vintners’ Association, discusses a unified submission forwarded by Donegal County Council to the government ahead of the upcoming Budget. Cllr Harley details specific policy proposals aimed at lowering excise duties, reducing operational costs, and protecting traditional rural pubs as vital community hubs across the county.
🏠 Trapped in Housing Bureaucracy: Listener Catriona calls in to share her family’s frustrating experience navigating planning permissions and state supports. Catriona explains how years spent struggling to obtain planning permission for a self-build home were further complicated when receiving temporary income support unexpectedly disqualified them from the social housing waiting list.
👶 National Breastfeeding Awareness Week: Daniele Begley and Mary McFeeley join Greg to mark National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. They highlight community support networks, peer-led groups, and upcoming local events designed to normalize breastfeeding and offer practical advice to new mothers across Donegal.
🏡 Budget Expectations for Energy Retrofitting: Jonathan Doherty of Efficient Renewables previews expected government measures in the upcoming Budget concerning home energy upgrades. Jonathan discusses potential changes to SEAI grant structures, heat pump incentives, and retrofitting subsidies aimed at helping homeowners manage rising energy bills.
🌱 End-of-Season Gardening Tips: Gardening expert Paul McLaughlin drops into the garden for his final segment of the season. Paul shares essential autumn maintenance tips, soil preparation advice, and guidance on winterizing plants to set gardens up for success ahead of the colder months.
🎧 Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:
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