The Clare Echo is delighted to be teaming up with science communicator and Ennis native Eoin Murphy to bring you his new podcast series, The Elements of Clare. In this four-part series, Eoin uses his scientific background and investigates the water, the land, the air and the people of Clare.

In March 2021, the government published a rural development policy titled: Our Rural Future. It was described by the government themselves as a blueprint to transform rural Ireland. A way of revitalising rural communities and capitalising on the belief that post Covid-19, remote working would be a part of our future.

Acknowledging that this was a highly ambitious and positive document, Eoin wanted to see what was already happening around Clare. Across this series, he uses his scientific background and investigates the water, the land, the air and the people. Eoin speaks to surfers, economists, local representatives and many other people from all around the county. The message that keeps coming through is that despite many of the challenges and issues that face communities around the county, when people come together and pool their expertise, solutions can be found.

On episode 1, Eoin speaks to Big wave surfer and clean coasts activist Ollie O’ Flaherty about a range of issues around the coastline. He travels to Ennistymon to catch up with Senator Roisin Garvey, where they talk about the importance of clean water. He also meets Dr. Tom Gillespie, author of the Daft Coastal Report 2021, to talk about how people factor in the risk of living near coastlines when purchasing houses. In this episode he also sits down with Sibeal Regan, Education and Outreach officer for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and finds out how these animals are doing off the coast of Clare.

To listen to the podcast series, click play now.

If you have any questions about the series, Eoin can be contacted directly by email, eoinmurphy101@gmail.com or on Instagram @beyond_the_lab_scicom