Lunchtime Live

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From big barefoot walks to big filming in Galway, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Jess Kelly with plenty of stories from ar...

Are you excited for Ireland V France?

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Come on you boys in green!Ireland take on France tomorrow afternoon in the Six Nations.But, which one of the two top sides will claim victory?Joining ...

How do TD expenses work?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

TDs have claimed over half a million euro in expenses in just one month.And that covers just one Dáil sitting. Is that figure as high as it seems?Joi...

The Home Squad: Bathroom Design

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Putting together a bathroom can have many do’s and don’ts. So, what’s the best way to tackle designing one?The Home Squad are here to let you kn...

Can fishing ease anxiety?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fishing is a time-honored activity that has been practiced for thousands of years, blending skill, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world...

Young people not drinking - is it killing music venues?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Young people not drinking is killing music venues…That is according to one of the UK’s leading Music Agents and Promoters, John Giddings, who has ...

How will households deal with rising energy prices?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are growing fears that people will fall further into arrears as energy prices remain stubbornly high - with price hikes incoming.This year the c...

Throwback Thursday: The Euro, Halle Berry, American Idol

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom joins guest host Sinead Ryan to look back on the year that was 2002!

How can prison overcrowding be fixed?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prison overcrowding is at another crisis point with all secure jails having reached, or exceeded, capacity for the first time.More than 100 prisoners ...

Ask the Expert: Trichologist

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Clare Devereux, Trichologist and Hair Coach to answer any of your hair and scalp questions!

Are people over Harry & Meghan?

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last night, Meghan Markle’s Netflix cooking show finally dropped, after much anticipation… and it has been roasted by critics and pretty much anyo...

What should Ireland’s role be in war?

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump’s Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the freezing of US military aid to Ukraine has led to a European fo...

Is there enough awareness around endometriosis?

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, Andrea is joined by Singer and Songwriter, Ruthanne.Ruthanne has spoken on the show before about her experienc...

Reasons to be Happy: Drive to Survive, Stella Cinema, Loch Ness Monster

05 Mar 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.Today FM...

Does Cork need a light rail system?

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A preferred route for Cork's light rail is to be announced within weeks as the Transport Minister hopes to get the project to planning before the end ...

Ask The GP: Adult ADHD Diagnosis 

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic is with Andrea to answer your questions. Today we’re focusing on adult ADHD diagnosis. ...

Are you Going to Sabrina Carpenter?

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sabrina Carpenter has quickly become one of the biggest names in pop music, and she plays two nights of her European ‘Short n’ Sweet’ Tour in Du...

Where To Get Help if Dealing With Suicidal Thoughts

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, Andrea spoke at length about the obstacles people face when they seek help for suicidal feelings.This week, it was important to follow on a...

School Absenteeism

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do we tackle an issue like school absenteeism? Fergus Finlay, Political Commentator, Irish Examiner Columnist & Former CEO of Barnardo's ...

Can We Batch Cook Snacks?

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Siobhan Berry, or @mummycooks on Instagram, joins Andrea to talk batch cooking snacks at home.

Planning Chaos

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government recently announced it was going to make cabin homes in back gardens exempt from planning so that family members could live together on ...

Ask Me Anything: Survivalist / Prepper

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Frank Deegan, Founder of the Irish Survival and Prepper Group joins Andrea to answer any of your prepper-related qu...

What suicide supports exist in Ireland?

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday, Andrea heard from Joe Loughnane and the tragic death of his brother by suicide…Since then, listeners have been sending in their experienc...

What blockbusters have you not seen?

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Oscar's season is just around the corner…However, a new study has revealed that almost 38% of people have never watched Titanic, among other huge mo...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From inheritance scams to dog bakeries, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this wee...

Are people too Dublin-centric?

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People often fall into the trap that news that happens outside Dublin is no news at all. That’s according to Irish Examiner Columnist and Cork nativ...

The Home Squad: Ambient Lighting

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The right lighting in your home can make the difference between a drab and welcoming place to live - so how can you do it properly?The Home Squad is h...

Brother of suicide victim calls for hospital policy changes

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An external review has been launched in Galway after Adam Loughnane died by suicide after presenting to A&E.His brother Joe has been sharing his s...

Does women’s sport get the respect it deserves?

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An Australian radio host has been fired for mocking their national women’s soccer team, saying they remind him of “Year 10 girls”.How is women’...

Throwback Thursday: iTunes, Harry Potter, Wikipedia

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year 2001!Image: Smithso...

Is the cost of cancer becoming too great?

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A leading Oncologist has warned that patients on lower incomes are missing out on vital cancer treatment…Are we in danger of developing a two-tier h...

Ask the Expert: Adoption

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by CEO of the Adoption Authority of Ireland, Dr Lorraine Horgan to answer any of your adoption-rela...

Have restaurants become too pretentious with language?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Flowery and embellished language is being overused to describe basic dishes, and apparently, it’s a real bugbear for the Countdown star Susie Dent.S...

Should counselling notes be used in sexual assault trials?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should the counselling notes of victims be used in rape and sexual assault trials?A group of survivors are saying they shouldn’t be, and are demandi...

Is enough support given to trades and apprenticeships?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All this week, Iarnród Éireann has running its third annual 'Try A Trade' event.The idea is to introduce students to careers in things like heavy ve...

Reasons to be Happy: Barney, Portal Pals, Cruel Intentions

26 Feb 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.Today FM...

Has vaping indoors become normalised?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you noticed an increase in vaping indoors in Ireland?Vaping in pubs, restaurants, cinemas – has it become normalised?To discuss, Andrea is join...

The Pod Squad: The Louis Theroux Podcast

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Editor of rollercoaster.ie ...

Why we should celebrate being ordinary

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us strive to be better and do better in life.But, are we putting too much pressure on ourselves?Should we be celebrating being ordinary?Andrea...

Should we invest more in road policing?

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Figures this morning reveal that road deaths in Donegal have risen by a staggering 70% last year – just as road policing numbers were slashed by a t...

What is ‘addictive eating’?

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week is Eating Disorder Awareness week. One eating disorder that you may hear a lot less about is ‘addictive eating’. Two members o...

How I Live Well: Grounding

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by L...

Dublin’s Victorian Fruit and Vegetable Market sees €26m revamp

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The redevelopment of Dublin’s Victorian fruit and vegetable market is finally happening - to the tune of €26 million.Work will start in June, and ...

Ask the GP with Dr Sumi Dunne

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Sumi Dunne, GP in Laois, joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

How to properly support a child during separation

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Parental separation and marital breakdown can be an extremely challenging time for children…A new book called ‘It's Not Fair’ helps kids to adju...

Over €54 million left unclaimed from Deposit Return Scheme - why?

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over €54 million worth of plastic bottles and cans have gone unclaimed in a year…So, why are some people refusing to buy into the Deposit Return S...

Would you buy a supermarket wedding dress?

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The costs associated with weddings can be great, so any financial reprieve for the bridal party would be nice; but would you have your bridesmaids get...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Oats & Dumplings

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an...

Is Ireland becoming unappealing to tourists?

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Canadians travelling to Ireland have been given a warning by their government that if they’re arriving here to forge a romance that they struck up o...

Ask Me Anything: Brain Surgeon

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Professor Ciaran Bolger, Consultant Neurosurgeon with Beaumont Hospital joins Andrea to answer any of your brain su...

How does ‘sleepmaxxing’ work?

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For people who can’t sleep, you’ll try anything…There are tons of new “trends” to try, all under the name of ‘sleepmaxxing’.But, what is...

Do Leaving Cert changes favour “affluent” children?

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour TD Eoghan Kenny has questioned the changes to leaving cert claiming that continuous assessment projects disproportionately favour children from...

How much are you willing to spend on your pet?

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pets are very much part of the family, but how much are you willing to spend on your furry friend?From private jets and salon treatments to dog yoga a...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From an Irish paramedic saving lives abroad to a dog eating teddy bears, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories...

Should landlords have to retrofit their homes?

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thousands of families are living in rental properties that are too cold, and too damp.According to a new report today, hundreds of thousands of rented...

The Home Squad: Soundproofing

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you have noisy neighbours or live by a busy road, you’ll want to listen to this…The Home Squad are here to talk about all things soundproofing!...

How big of a problem is crime in retail?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the show yesterday, Shane Gleeson was discussing how the five Spar shops he owns around Limerick City are being hit again and again by shoplifters…...

Anne Rabbitte on life after the Dáil

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senator Anne Rabbitte was first elected to the Dáil in 2016 when she was elected in Galway East, and has served in public office ever since.Anne rece...

Religion in Ireland: Evangelical Christians

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Andrea is j...

Throwback Thursday: Westlife, Concorde, Beverly Hills 90210

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year 2000!

Are we paying too much in tolls?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2.1 billion euro has been collected in tolls on Irish roads since 2008…The Newstalk exclusive found that the port tunnel alone collected €32 milli...

Ask the Expert: Breast Reductions

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Breast reduction is fast becoming one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures in Ireland.But, just how safe is it, and what is involved?Fo...

Has travel in Europe become too expensive?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The popularity of shows such as ‘The White Lotus’, which is in its third season set in Thailand, may be contributing to an increase in travel to A...

How common is ‘sex for rent’?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International students are being offered rent-free accommodation in exchange for sex and bed-shares with strangers.One in seven people have been offer...

Should we have the right to be forgotten?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh has called for cancer survivors to be treated fairly when accessing financial products such as mortgages, health insu...

Reasons to be Happy: Bridget Jones, Heinz, Pitbull

19 Feb 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.Today FM...

Should community service be prioritised over prison?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said that we shouldn’t jail shoplifters and other non-violent offenders – and should use community sanction...

The Pod Squad: Peak Danger

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Today FM’s Shelly Grey and Host of the ‘No...

Would EV charger rentals encourage more buyers?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you have an EV charger at home and you’re looking for a little side hustle – this could be good news for you. Homeowners will be able to rent o...

Does Ireland need a tourist tax?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A tourist tax is being explored by the Government as a method to raise tax for local councils.Venice and Lisbon are just a few of the European cities ...

Should alcohol have health warning labels?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Would you support the idea of health warning labels on alcohol bottles, like those on cigarettes?From May next year, Ireland will be the first country...

How I Live Well: Gut Health

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by G...

Is there a ‘baptism barrier’ for schools?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is there a baptism barrier for admission into schools in Ireland?Dublin listener Natalia got in touch with the show as she says her two boys are at th...

Ask the GP with Dr Nina Byrnes

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Is Dublin a violent city?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You probably heard the shocking news over the weekend that 34 year old Quham Babatunde was fatally stabbed in Dublin City Centre…It begs the questio...

Backstage gossip at the Baftas!

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean was at the Baftas last night - where Kneecap won 1 award out of its 6 nominations and Warwick Davis recieved a Fellowsh...

Are we ignorant of the national anthem?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are people ignorant of Ireland’s national anthem? Listener Claire was watching the Dublin-Kerry match on Saturday, and noticed that many of the play...

Are big supermarket chains killing independent retailers?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There was a time that you would pop to the corner shop for some essential items.However, small retailers are now being decimated by bigger chains and ...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Vegetarian Protein

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an...

Do you want a crackdown on Airbnbs?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is planning a new crackdown on Airbnbs to help with housing.They’re saying it could bring roughly 12,000 short-term lets back on to t...

Christina Hendricks talks 'Small Town, Big Story'!

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last night a brand new Irish dark comedy drama on Sky called 'Small Town Big Story' by Chris O'Dowd premiered at the IFI. Henry McKean was there and m...

Ask Me Anything: Bodyguard

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Michael McQuillan, CEO & Founder of Pulse Security joins Andrea in studio to answer you questions about being a...

Fairer Fares for Public Transport

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our listener Siobhan got in touch because the Fairer Fares that had been promised for travel in 2024 still haven't been implemented. She wants to know...

The Home Squad: Wall Cladding

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You may not have it, but wall cladding is something that can add a lot to your home during a revamp.From paneling to soundproofing and heat, the Home ...

Why is there a shortage of public health nurses?

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this week, Andrea spoke to parents who were impacted by the lack of public health nurses, and it really hit home with a lot of listeners.It se...

The enduring power of a rom-com!

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The new Bridget Jones movie is set to break box office records.The fourth instalment, ‘Mad About the Boy’, is on course to become the biggest hits...

Religion in Ireland: Bahá’í Faith

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Andrea is j...

Throwback Thursday: Space Shuttles, Royal Weddings, MTV

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year that was 1981!

Is the housing crisis delaying marriage and children?

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The housing crisis is “delaying marriage and children” for 84% of adults, according to a new study.48% of couples planning to tie the knot and 60%...

Ask the Expert: Buying Engagement Rings

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For those of you that got engaged over Christmas but have yet to buy the ring... Or are planning a proposal in the coming months and need to start sav...

Will Trump’s tariffs impact Irish companies?

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris will take part in an emergency meeting of EU trade ministers later about US trade tariffs.US P...

Nurse survey shows patients being treated in “inappropriate settings"

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A survey released by the INMO today has revealed that eight in ten nurses claim that patients are being treated in “inappropriate settings”.This i...

The cost of the ‘wedding era’

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once you reach a certain age, your weekends become filled with hen parties, weddings and baby showers.These events can be all-consuming, and extremely...

Reasons to be Happy: Romantic Counties, Good Bad Habits, Line of Duty

12 Feb 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.Today FM...

Does littering come from a lack of local pride?

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some residents of Dublin’s north inner city have “no sense of pride for their community” and “dump their waste daily” in the street, accordi...

The Pod Squad: What Did You Do Yesterday?

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kel...

Should we talk openly about salaries?

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One in four people believe there is full pay transparency in their workplace, and more than half think discussing salaries is taboo, according to new ...

Lack of nurses lead to baby developmental check delays

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mothers in parts of Dublin have been informed that their babies' developmental checks will be delayed or postponed due to a lack of nurses.Instead, th...

Do Michelin Stars actually matter?

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The landscape for the hospitality industry has changed majorly.Restaurants seemingly close down each day, and yet some seem to thrive…So, what sets ...

How I Live Well: Aging through the decades

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by D...