Lunchtime Live

Making Babies: Issues you can face during pregnancy

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospita...

Have we stopped being polite?

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are we becoming less polite?Listener Sarah got in touch with the show with an email that proposed that question.Joining Andrea to discuss is Tina Koum...

Is it fair to boycott holiday home owners?

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Mayo housing official has called for a “radical” boycott of holiday-home owners, is he right?Are holiday homes a waste during a housing crisis?A...

Ask the Expert: Dealing with Exam Stress

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Leaving Cert is fast approaching, and for many students, that means rising stress and pressure. For this week’s Ask the Expert we’re talking a...

Donegal salon workers training to recognise domestic abuse

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donegal hairdressers, barbers, nail technicians, aestheticians and salon owners have taken on additional training beyond their craft to recognise sign...

Chatting with Bryan Adams ahead of his Dublin shows!

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Grammy-winning singer and guitarist Bryan Adams is playing Dublin tonight and Friday night to huge crowds.He has sold over 75 million albums, and has ...

How did the marriage referendum change the lives of queer people?

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ten years ago, Ireland voted yes to marriage equality in a historic referendum. Today, we’re marking that milestone with Jane Clarke, Roscommon Poet...

How I Live Well: Home Organisation

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Professional Home Orga...

Should Home Economics be compulsory?

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should Home Economics be compulsory in schools? Once focused on cooking and sewing, the subject has faded from many curriculums.But, with rising livin...

Ask the GP with Dr Nina Byrnes

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Why did Ireland give Israel 10 points at Eurovision?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Austria took home the Eurovision crown on Saturday night, with Ireland failing to make it to the Grand Final. But, more shockingly, the Irish public a...

What can be done to tackle school absenteeism?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There is a growing concern in Irish schools: the sharp rise in student absenteeism.Thousands of children are missing weeks of school, and officials ar...

Leaving Cert around the corner - last minute study tips and tricks!

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Leaving Certificate exams will begin on Wednesday, June 4th.So, with just over two weeks to go, how can students optimize their study time to get ...

The Pod Squad: Lucky Boy

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Host of the ‘No More Encore’ Podcast Dave Han...

Average monthly rent exceeds €2,000 for the first time

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rent across the country is now averaging at €2,056.A new report out today says that the lack of supply is the driving factor of these rates.There we...

Ask Me Anything: Acting & Dialect Coach

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Aisling Goodwin, Accent & Dialect Coach, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to taking o...

Lego shipping container intended for Malawi children stolen in Laois

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re looking for your help in locating a 20ft container that has been stolen in Laois.The container was filled with Lego sets and educational books...

What is the ‘Let Them’ theory?

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It seems everywhere you turn these days you are hearing about ‘Let Them’ theory. It has been described as a mindset trick which can free you ...

Do you take pictures of your food in restaurants?

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine the scene: you're out for dinner tonight in a fancy restaurant, and this stunning plate of food arrives in front of you.How strong is the comp...

Man with traumatic spinal injury told he is not eligible for disability allowance

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Dublin man who suffered a traumatic spinal injury said his independence as an individual has been taken from him, as he has been told he is not elig...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Galway being the best to Carlow being Pope-obsessed, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around th...

Are we obsessed with fancy cars?

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There has been a big increase in car loans in Ireland. Close to €850 million was drawn down last year to fund the purchase of 66,200 vehicles.This i...

Should you start family planning in your 20s?

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it a good idea to seek out fertility testing early, and how effective is it for those who want children later in life? Newstalk Reporter Bella Finn...

The Home Squad: Outdoor Cooking

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the sun shining this bright - you’re probably in the mood to get your BBQ set up…The Home Squad are here to talk about all things cooking out...

Is there any truth behind this rumoured Beckham feud?

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about one of the most talked-about family dramas in the celebrity world: the rumored feud between Victoria and David Beckham and t...

Residents raise concerns over unfinished roads

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Residents of a housing estate in north County Dublin have voiced serious concerns over unfinished infrastructure, specifically the absence of speed bu...

The Making of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the band really think of each other? Whe...

Are you disappointed in Ireland for going to Eurovision?

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

RTÉ’s Eurovision Head of Delegation Michael Kealy has said it “feels wrong” when others suggest the broadcaster boycott the Eurovision Song Con...

Dublin taxi drivers are using a loophole in Drogheda

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some Dublin taxi drivers are operating a loophole to take fares in Drogheda, and local taxi drivers are not happy…Andrea is joined by taxi drivers t...

Reasons to be Happy: BBQ Weather, Taco Bell, Soap Crossover

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s...

Is the Government failing when it comes to childcare costs?

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Despite efforts to reduce childcare costs, many Irish families continue to face significant financial burdens. Recent reports highlight that families ...

Making Babies: Weeks 9-12 of Pregnancy

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospita...

Do you have what it takes to be on Big Brother?

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Big Brother is back, and this year, they want you! Big Brother bosses are keen for Irish contestants to apply. If you’ve got a big personality and a...

Should we all return to the office?

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Businessman Denis O’Brien has blasted working from home as “...a load of nonsense”.He claimed Ireland’s reputation as a place to do business i...

Why thousands of children may have had unnecessary hip surgery

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An investigation has found that many children in Ireland may have undergone unnecessary hip surgeries at Children's Health Ireland…The probe could s...

Ask the Expert: Tongue Tie

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dr. Justin Roche, Consultant Paediatrician at The National Tongue Tie Centre, to explain what to...

The Croatian Eurovision song written by an Irish man

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While you will no doubt be cheering on Norwegian singer Emmy who will be representing Ireland at the Eurovision semi finals on Thursday – there will...

Should rural pubs get a rebate on pints?

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Vintners Federation of Ireland has called for a 40% rebate in excise on pints of beer sold in pubs.They say a rebate on draught beers would help p...

Should more companies offer pet bereavement leave?

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Petmania Pet Store is hosting their inaugural ‘Ruby Heart Awards’ in which, among other categories, they will honour pet-friendly workplaces.One o...

How I Live Well: Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by General Secretary of t...

Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Kanye’s ‘Heil Hitler’ removed from streaming services - the right decision?

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kanye West’s track ‘Heil Hitler’ was swiftly removed from major streaming platforms in recent days, raising questions about censorship, platform...

Two teenagers die in tragic Donegal drowning

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two teenage boys tragically died after drowning off the coast of Buncrana at the weekend.Matt Sibanda, 18, and Emmanuel Familola, 16, were playing foo...

Is there joy in frivolous spending?

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the cost-of-living rises, I’m desperately clinging to the ‘frivolous’ spending that gives me joy, so says Saoirse Hanley, writing in the Inde...

The Pod Squad: Telling Everybody Everything

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom and Off...

Tributes made for Garda Kevin Flatley

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tributes have flooded in for Garda Kevin Flatley, who was killed on Sunday while trying to flag down a motorcyclist at a speeding checkpoint.The fathe...

Ask Me Anything: Celebrity Stylist

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Stylist Corina Gaffey joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to styling the stars!

What are the alternatives to the CAO?

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the date has closed for late CAO applications, a lot of people will be wondering what their future holds…But, the path isn’t always straight an...

DIY you can actually do!

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Andrea is joined by the experts - tradespeople sharing simple DIY jobs you can safely tackle at home. Quick fixes, smart tips, and what to leave to th...

Europe’s biggest outdoor wellness festival - what is Wellfest?

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re looking for some healthy inspiration of any kind, then we have the guests for you!Wellfest is kicking off this weekend: Europe’s largest...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From beach jobs to headbutts, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Why are there no public toilets in Dublin?

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dublin city centre’s only public toilets, installed at the top of Grafton Street five years ago, are to be shut.Dublin City Council say they have de...

The Home Squad: Campervans & Holiday Homes

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the gorgeous weather, you might be dreaming about weekend breaks…Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about all things campervans and holiday ...

Would you use this app to get better at maths?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new maths app is taking Ireland by storm!Andrea is joined by David Carr, Founder of the maths app Pi-Squared, to explore how his app is reshaping ma...

Camogie Association to vote on mandatory skort ruling

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last week, pressure has been increasing on the Camogie Association to reverse the rules around mandatory skorts.Today, the Camogie Associatio...

What has the EU done for you?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Support for Ireland’s membership of the European Union has dropped to its lowest level since 2013, according to a new opinion poll.The European Move...

Are mobile saunas at risk of being banned?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mobile saunas have really grown in popularity in Ireland in recent years.Local authorities seemingly have no uniform bylaws to facilitate, license and...

Debunking food expiry date myths

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Food waste is something that affects our wallets, our environment and our kitchens…Well, joining Andrea to share practical tips, surprising facts an...

Can you march against the ‘manosphere’?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This evening there’s a march in Dublin against the ‘manosphere’.But what is that? How can someone march against a ‘manosphere’? And what cou...

Are people climbing Everest unqualified? New ruling for climbers

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inexperienced climbers could be banned from scaling Mount Everest to reduce deaths and overcrowding.Overcrowding has become a huge issue on Everest; p...

Reasons to be Happy: 10 Things I Hate About You, Westlife, Bald Men

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s...

Is learning to drive prohibitively expensive?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to learn to drive without family help?Geraldine Herbert wrote in the Independent about the real cost of learning to drive, particularly...

Making Babies: Ectopic Pregnancy & Miscarriage

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospita...

Is it fair for Penneys to charge for paper bags?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Penneys will begin charging for paper bags from Monday.The company says it's looking for ways to reduce single-use waste across the business.It's intr...

Why are 9 out of 10 girls in Ireland anxious?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Almost 9 in 10 young girls struggle with anxiety and worry, a survey finds.That is a huge number of the young women in this country.So, what’s causi...

Ask the Expert: Mechanic

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From ironing out dents to electrical problems - for this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Joey Donnelly, owner of Crofton Motors in Dublin...

Figuring out what to make for dinner each night

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The worst part of being a parent is figuring out what to make for dinner every night.Well, That is according to Andrea's guest Journalist Niamh O’Re...

How will tariffs impact Ireland’s movie industry?

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland’s movie and TV studios could be hit by a plan by US President Donald Trump to slap a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United S...

Do our cities still have a community spirit?

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do we still have a sense of community in our cities?Prince William, the Prince of Wales, said recently that people in cities have “...lost their abi...

How I Live Well: HYROX

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by John Belton, owner of ...

Should the Camogie Association have to go before the Oireachtas?

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Camogie Association has said that they will continue to examine issues around the comfort and design of playing gear, and has said that they will ...

Ask Me Anything: Comedian

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Comedian Jim Elliot joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to comedy!

What is in baby food pouches?

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Baby food pouches might not be as nutritious as some of us think.An investigation from the BBC says some leading brands are failing to meet key nutrit...

Why do some counties struggle with domestic tourism?

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With summer approaching, many Irish people are planning their holidays. But, instead of exploring the likes of Leitrim, Westmeath or Monaghan, it seem...

Mark McCabe on Maniac 2000 turning 25!

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What stage in your life were you at when ‘Maniac 2000’ was released?Joining Andrea to discuss the 25th anniversary of the song is its creator, DJ ...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Why do bystanders film tragedies?

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tragic news from Cork yesterday as a man drowned in the city centre.Shockingly though, seemingly instead of trying to help the man – dozens of onloo...

The Home Squad: Outdoor Areas

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With this gorgeous weather at the moment, it’s hard not to think about the outdoor areas of your home.Well, the Home Squad are here to help you with...

Could you be suffering from coeliac disease?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

May is Coeliac Awareness Month, highlighting a condition that affects 1 in 100 people - many undiagnosed. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune reaction to...

Are Irish women leaving it too late to get married?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When is the right time to get married? CSO findings show that the average age of tying the knot for women is now 36 and 37 for men– the highest it h...

The rise of Vinted and Depop

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More and more of us are buying and selling our clothes on second hand websites.The urge to grab a bargain and the opportunity to clear out your wardro...

Do we need better facilities for motorhomes and camping?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With more people exploring Ireland by motorhome, pressure is growing for better parking and camping facilities.But, are we doing enough to support thi...

Is the Government failing on childcare?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over 40 civil society organisations are gathering outside Leinster House today under the banner ‘Together for Public Alliance’.Organisers say that...

Where should you go on the bank holiday weekend?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This bank holiday weekend seems to have taken a lot of people by surprise!Hot off the heels of Easter’s 4-day weekend, another one is already here -...

Reasons to be Happy: Desperate Housewives, Ed Sheeran, Good Weather

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s...

Are SUVs too dangerous for the road?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The topic of SUVs has been covered on the show before, and the impact they can have on the environment. A big defence for them is often the safety asp...

Making Babies: The Start of a Pregnancy

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospita...

Why video game movies have become so popular

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Video games are the world's most valuable entertainment industry, estimated to be worth more than $220 billion, twice as much as films and recorded mu...

Why is the bar closed for David Gray’s concert?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bars will be closed at David Gray’s upcoming concert at the 3Arena this weekend.The 3Arena shared a post on social media saying: ‘Once David Gray ...

Ask the Expert: Skin

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by top Irish skin expert Eavanna Breen, who shares her insights on caring for pale or sensitive ski...

Who is Ireland’s best Lollipop Person?

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re on a mission to find Ireland’s Best Lollipop Person - the everyday heroes keeping our children safe on the school run! What does the job inv...

Is it okay to shout at your children?

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New research shows that being shouted at by parents can reshape a child’s brain, raising the risk of mental health issues and social difficulties.So...

Are we over reliant on Google Maps?

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are we (literally) lost without our phones?Are we relying too much on Google Maps to get us from A to B in the car; which doesn't always bring us the ...

How I Live Well: Knitting

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Knitting Teacher from ...

Did Kneecap need to apologise?

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kneecap have apologised to the families of two former British MPs who were murdered in recent years, and said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah, ...

Ask the GP with Dr Nina Byrnes

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

How powerful can branding be?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

He may be legally and constitutionally barred from serving a third term in office, but that hasn't stopped Donald Trump putting ‘TRUMP 2028’ red c...

Should we be trialing free public transport?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As rail fare and zonal adjustments come into effect today from Irish Rail, including Leap Cards becoming available over a wider area, we’re asking t...

Could Ireland host EuroPride 2028?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Clare and Limerick are teaming up in a bid to host EuroPride, Europe's most significant LGBT+ event, in 2028.If they are successful, Ireland would pla...

The Pod Squad: Good Hang

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Today FM’s Shelly Gray and 98fm’s Russell Alf...