On today's show Damien Tiernan visits one of the two building sites in county Waterford that have been given clearance to re-open. The sites are 2 of a number of social housing projects that have re-commenced across the country. In Ballinroad in Dungarvan work has begun again on the Nevin Construction site at Na Fearnóga. While in the city Damien visits the S & K Carey site at Knights Grange in Lacken where he speaks to builders Liam and Tony and safety adviser Robert Blackmore.
Damien also speaks to CEO of Waterford city and county council Michael Walsh about the challenges facing the council due to a drop in rates, and the future of the North Quays development.
Head of the Vintners Association in Waterford Mary Brady Sharpe, owner of Brady's Pub in St Johns Park, says comments by Simon Harris at the weekend, that pubs may not re-open for another 18 months, sent shockwaves through the industry which is already on its knees.
And Samaritans Regional Director, Waterford native Rory Fitzgerald, tells Damien that they have seen an increase in calls to the service and that calls are lasting longer. However they have less volunteers as many of their members are over 70 and are cocooning.
Also on the show Damien speaks to Laura Barry, originally from St Johns Park in Waterford, who is now working as an intensive care doctor in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, one of the UK's biggest hospitals. She says they have been working in exceptional circumstances that have been both physically and emotionally draining , but also insightful and a privilege.
As former staff members from the now closed Debenhams in Waterford protest outside the shop, Damien speaks to our reporter Eimear McKeown on the situation, as well as staff member Margaret Sinnott who says sadness has turned to anger. Staff claim that the company saw Covid-19 as an opportunity to leave Ireland. Around 2,000 workers were laid off when the company announced it would be wound up.
Michael Doherty, regional Munster manager for MABS, tells Damien that they are open for business and that they are worried that people who may not have jobs to return to are not planning for how they will manage.
And finally WLR's Aoibhin Fallon is in studio with details of this years Youthquake Radio Drama series which kicks off tonight.
