Lunchtime Live

Accessible public toilets in Shanganagh Park in Dublin have remained shut, causing issues for those who need to use it…Listener Aaron Daly got in touch to discuss, as well as Advocate with Access for All Ireland, Bernard Mulvany.

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’s Cathal Minogue joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Gardaí are investigating an incident at a Clare U-15 football game in Kilrush on Monday night in which a referee was allegedly assaulted…Footage released of the incident shows a referee being picked up off the ground. As the incident occurred at an underage game - what precedent does this set for our young players, and how does this impact sportsmanship both on and off the pitch?Do we need to treat referees with more respect, whether we agree with their decisions or not?Joining Andrea to discuss is Chairperson of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating, Chairman of Underage Clubs in Galway and referee Michael Ryder, Linda Gorman, former Ireland player, coach, & Ireland’s first Female International Soccer Manager and more.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss gynaecological complaints that might impact pregnancy…

The Dáil has heard that lads on scramblers are still “running amok”.This comes after a child was seriously injured in a hit and run in Dublin’s North Inner City…Though Grace’s Law bans scramblers from public places, the problem still continues.So, what can be done?Joining Andrea to discuss is Daniel Ennis, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, Carol, the aunt of Jayden Deans who was injured in a hit and run incident and listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Trevor Grant, Chairperson of the Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors to answer any of your mortgage questions!

New research reveals that children are parented differently, depending on their sex.Daughters receive more protection, financial support and dating advice, while sons tend to receive encouragement with sports and athletics and have more sexual freedom.So, do you parent your child differently depending on if they’re a boy or a girl?Joining Andrea to discuss is Katie Makk, host of the ‘Opinions Matter’ podcast, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Anne Kehoe and listeners.

Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss, predominantly on the scalp.Joining Andrea to discuss their experiences living with the condition are Claire Fullam, owner of Trua Trichology Clinic, Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, Alopecia Advocate and Westmeath Rose and listeners.

With the introduction of a €3 fee on imported items, known as ‘Temu Tax’, will more people be pushed into the secondhand market?Alongside vinted and Facebook marketplace, might charity shops see a boost?Joining Andrea to discuss is Jo Linehan, Editor of the Climate Supplement with the Sunday Times, Laura Mullett, Fashion Expert and Journalist and Shanel Williams from Vision Ireland.

Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week!Image: Amazon MGM Studios

The Government is expected to sign off today on new draft planning guidelines for one-off housing in rural and Gaeltacht areas.Under the proposals, local authorities will be told not to take an "overly prescriptive" approach to rural housing applications. The aim is to make it easier for people to secure planning permission to build a home and live in these communities.Will these changes help tackle the housing crisis, or will their impact be limited? And how welcoming are rural communities to new people moving into the area?Joining Andrea to discuss is President of Macra na Feirme, Josephine O’Neil, Town Planner Derek Whyte, Jacqueline Hogge from the Irish Farmer’s Journal, Munster Regional Chair with the Irish Farmers’ Association, Conor O’Leary and listeners.

It’s time for Ask the Medic! Where an expert joins to answer any of your health-related questions.This week, Andrea is joined by Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic to answer your medical questions!

Irish influencer Charleen Murphy entered Love Island’s Casa Amour last night - what are her chances on the show, and have you been keeping up with it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Broadcaster Fionnuala Jones, Content Creator Holli Breslin, Eva from the Positive Tribes, a Tarot Reader in England and podcast host Orlaith Condon.Image: ITV

Almost 360,000 primary school children have not had free dental assessments, due to a lack of public dentists.In the last academic year alone, almost 70,000 eligible children did not receive an assessment…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, George Miller of Crumlin Road Dental and listeners.

Gemma Doyle packed up and moved to Australia with her two kids in tow. Now, three years on, Gemma has garnered nearly 60,000 TikTok followers from her “Irish Mammy in Australia” content, and has now written a book called ‘The Young Movers Guide to Australia’.She joins Andrea to discuss!

Are you determined to finally get on top of your finances once and for all?For many, looking at your bank account is something you dread, but how should we best manage what’s coming in and what’s coming out?For this edition of Finance Matters, Andrea is joined by Paul Merriman of Ask Paul to discuss how to grow your assets.

Andrea’s guest Barry and his wife suffered a miscarriage when she was 18 weeks pregnant... New plans being considered by the Government will offer paid leave for women who suffer a miscarriage before 23 weeks.Barry joins Andrea, as well as listeners, to discuss.If you were affected by this topic, help is available.Miscarriage Association of Ireland Helpline:0830151351(10am-12pm)0868930748(8pm-10pm)Email: [email protected]

We continue a county-by-county journey across Ireland, exploring all 32 counties that make up this remarkable island. Have you been to some of these places and hidden gems?Today, Andrea is joined by Travel Content Creator Will Murphy to find out what the best things to see and do are in County Carlow!

Many people move out, but do they ever fully leave home? For a lot of people, their bedroom will always be their bedroom, despite what their parents do or say.So, do you still have a room in your family home - or are you a parent refusing to get rid of your child’s things?Andrea is joined by Journalist Saoirse Hanley and Katie Makk from the ‘Opinions Matter’ podcast to discuss!

As primary school children skip out the gates today for eight weeks of summer holidays, parents are entering one of their busiest planning seasons. Between organising summer camps, childcare and work schedules, is there really time to think about September? Yet, with school uniforms and stationery already appearing in shops, parents are being reminded that back-to-school preparations are just around the corner. Is it too soon, or is it a welcome chance to get organised and spread the cost?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Cork Beo, Joe O’Sea,  Journalist Yvonne Reddin, Comedian Steve Cummins and listeners.

Andrea’s guest was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at just 22. 30 years on, Samantha McCarthy is still walking, teaching yoga, and determined to share a message of hope and resilience.Samantha joins to share her story…

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.

We all know of Molly Malone and the Anna Livia, but where are the monuments honouring the women of the revolution?From over 200 statues dotted across Dublin’s city centre, only a handful of them are of women.Dublin City Council is launching a plan with the aim of addressing the lack of women represented in the city's public spaces.Do we need more monuments to women?Joining Andrea to discuss is Emma Gileece, Architectural Historian, Sinead McCoole, Historian and author specialising on women in Irish History and listeners.

If you have a dark room in your home, are there any tricks to light it up naturally?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss lighting for a dark room!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Interior Stylist Sarah Doyle of Retwiggd.

We are finally seeing some summer sunshine this Thursday afternoon. As the temperatures soar, today is looking to be the hottest day of the year on record.Where in the world are you, and what are some of the best things to do in your area while the sun is splitting the stones?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss!

Whether you’re a soccer fan, or just hopping on the bandwagon, the World Cup matches are attracting audiences across the globe...But, for people who are blind or visually impaired here in Ireland, they aren’t able to tune into the matches because of the lack of audio visual description on RTÉ…A petition on this has attracted 3,000 signatures.Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Parents of pupils at St. Corban's Boys National School are facing uncertainty ahead of the new school year this September.The situation arises because the Department of Education has been unable to allocate an additional teacher to the school. As a result, 25 children due to start Junior Infants could be left without a school place, or alternatively, the school's First Class pupils may be combined into a single class to accommodate demand.This has left many parents concerned as they await clarity on arrangements for the upcoming academic year…Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the life and work of duo Daft Punk!

As today is set to be the hottest day of the year on record, many people feel that Ireland is not equipped for the good weather.With heatwaves spreading across the country for a few weeks every year, do we need to embrace the good weather and make the heat more bearable?Pádraig Rice, TD for Cork-South Central has the same opinion. He is calling for a 50m outdoor pool in Leeside to help people escape the heat and cool off in a lido.Pádraig joins Andrea, as well as Donna Cooney, Green Party Councillor for Clontarf and listeners to discuss.

Irish Historian Catherine Corless has called on people to fight the Bessborough development in Cork.The site of the former mother and baby home was granted planning permission for a 140-apartment development, which has been met with mixed reaction.Having closed in 1998, should part of the Bessborough estate be built upon?Joining Andrea to discuss is Carmel Cantwell, Lead Campaigner of the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Support Group, Peter Horgan, Labour Councillor for Cork City South East and listeners.

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 Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

It’s shaping up to be another scorching summer across Europe, with several countries already experiencing extreme heat. From Spain and Italy to parts of France and Greece, temperatures have been climbing well above seasonal averages.So, whether you’re at home or abroad, how are you handling it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sinead O’Moore, host of the ‘Stretch Marks’ podcast, Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air & Travel magazine and listeners.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss ‘Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing’.

Do you find yourself stuck at a desk for most of your day?Experts are advising that people who sit during work should be getting up for five minutes every hour to walk around the office. This boosts productivity and improves your mood!Siobhán O’Donovan, the Posture Physio AKA the ‘Booby Physio’ joins Andrea to discuss.

TDs and Senators from across the political spectrum have recommended that the possession of drugs for personal use be fully decriminalised, and that the move should apply to all illicit substances.The report does not specify the amount of drugs an individual should be legally allowed to have on them at one time.Is this a good idea? Should we decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use?Joining Andrea to discuss is Michael Guerin, Addiction Therapist in Limerick, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dermot Goode, Health Insurance Expert with totalhealthcover.ie to answer any of your health insurance questions!

Do you take maybe a vitamin D tablet in the morning, fish oils before your breakfast, maybe a magnesium tablet and a Vitamin C tablet to top it all off? Well, experts have warned that popping a cocktail of supplements every day might be doing you more harm than good…Sinéad O’Donovan, Registered Dietitian and Performance Nutritionist, joins Andrea to discuss.

With the good weather, now would be a great time to park yourself outside a café or a bar and soak in the sun, but do we have enough outdoor seating?And, are regulations too strict?Joining Andrea to discuss Gwen Leyden, Landlord of Georges Street Arcade in Dublin, Paul Montgomery, bar owner in Cork, Sunil Sharpe, Spokesperson for the Give Us The Night and listeners.

We’re not used to hot weather here, so our homes don’t tend to be cut out for it. How do we cool them down, get a good night’s sleep and make sure our pets are okay?Joining Andrea to give their top tips is Interior Designer Adeline Molloy, Sleep Consultant Tom Coleman and Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service.

Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week!Image: Netflix

Redevelopment for the GPO will cost between €200m and €500m, Cabinet will hear today.The redevelopment of the historic building will see some of the existing functions of the GPO complex, including a public post office, a cultural centre, public realm enhancements, office accommodation for the government, as well as some continued retail use.What would you like to see from the new GPO?Joining Andrea to discuss is Museum Curator with The Little Museum, Daryl Hendley Rooney, owner of Martin Gear Jewellers, Martin Gear, Marta Hervaz Rosa, Architect and Co-Founder of Save Stephen’s Green campaign and listeners.

Last night, Andrea and her team were brought on a wonderful food tour around Galway City along with Galway Food Tours. The experience gave a taste of some of the beautiful food and drink Galway has to offer.Joining Andrea today are just some of the wonderful producers from Galway: Mike Browne, to chat all about oysters, and John Casey from The Galway Kitchen, chatting about humus and various popular dips. Also joining to discuss is Sheena Dignam, owner of Galway Food Tours.

Love Island isn’t the only thing locals are watching in Galway this summer, as this July sees the return of the Galway Film Fleadh, which showcases homegrown talent!Charlene Lydon, Galway Film Fleadh Festival Programmer joins Andrea to discuss…Also joining to discuss how her brother Seán ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald is doing in the Love Island villa is Katie Fitzgerald!

He’s a musician, a foodie, an author and an academic; is there anything Mike Hanrahan can’t do?He joins Andrea, while he’s currently on tour with Eleanor Shanley and soon to be performing with Stockton’s Wing at the Hibernacle Festival on the 19th of July, for a chat!(Stockton's Wing will perform on the Sunday of the Hibernacle Festival this summer at Orlagh House in Rathfarnham. The festival is on the 18th and 19th of July, and more information and ticket details can be found on hibernacle.ie. For all the info on Mike’s upcoming gigs with Eleanor Shanley go to mikehanrahan.com.)

As you may be aware, Galway is home to some of the best Irish Food, which Andrea and the audience will be sampling throughout the show.Joining to discuss just how nice the food is in Galway, and to give their take on traditional Irish food is Chef & Restauranteur JP McMahon and Ronan O’Halloran, General Manager of Glenlo Abbey.

The Claddagh ring is synonymous with Galway, so while the show is broadcasting from the city: what is its history?Eóin Ó Néill, acting Collections Officer with Galway City Museum and Feile Rodgers from the Claddagh Jewelers join Andrea to discuss!

Newstalk’s Summer Tour is back, with Lunchtime Live coming to you from The Galmont Hotel in Galway in association with ESB!What is so great about Galway, and how it is a haven for Irish tourism?Joining Andrea as part of a panel to discuss is Mandy Maher, Stylist with Ireland AM, Catwalk Model Agency and Founder of the Platform, Podcaster Alan Clarke and Broadcaster Ciara King.

We continue a county-by-county journey across Ireland, exploring all 32 counties that make up this remarkable island. Have you been to some of these places and hidden gems? Today, Andrea is joined by Travel Content Creator Kevin Penrose to find out what the best things to see and do are in County Armagh. Image: Discover Northern Ireland

A new survey revealed one in three gen zers now text or call when they arrive at someone's door because they think it's less awkward. Among Gen Z who text or call, 39 per cent say it feels less intrusive, while nearly 19 per cent say ringing the doorbell simply feels too formal.  So, are doorbells on the way out? Andrea spoke to listeners to hear their take.  

With the opening of the new Popeyes food chain, it begs the question, have we followed in America's footsteps and prioritising convenience? Andrea spoke to listeners to hear their opinions