The Agenda

Despite the outcome of the civil case brought by Nikita Hand against Conor McGregor, his continued presence in the public eye and the support he continues to receive has sparked renewed debate.For survivors of domestic and sexual violence, seeing a high-profile figure remain celebrated and maintain a public platform has been deeply upsetting, raising questions about accountability and the messages sent to those who come forward.Priscilla Grainger and her daughter, Ainie, know the impact of domestic abuse all too well. After escaping a situation of abuse and violence, Priscilla and Ainie went on to establish Stop Domestic Violence Ireland, using their own experiences to support and advocate for victims and survivors. They supported Nikita Hand throughout her civil case and continue to stand by her today.Priscilla spoke out on The Agenda this morning about the reaction to McGregor’s return to the spotlight, saying “shame on you” to those who continue to support him, and questioning what that support says to survivors of domestic abuse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a tradition dating back more than 300 years, towering pyres have been lit every July in Northern Ireland to mark the Battle of the Boyne, which effectively cemented Protestant rule.They’re held in loyalist neighborhoods – communities that strongly support the union with the United Kingdom – and often carry a political message, with effigies of the pope, the Republic of Ireland’s flag and other symbols of Catholicism and Irish nationalism being burned in the past.But this year, in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone, the flames found a new target.A replica mosque, with a figure holding what appeared to be an ISIS flag and banners on the tower reading “Secure our borders” and “End the threat of radical Islam,” was burned on Thursday nightSinn Féin Senator Conor Murphy says it's deeply disappointing that these controversies continue to arise year after year and believes they need to be addressed.Senator Murphy joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fifteen-year-old disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody is preparing to spend 50 hours protesting outside the gates of Leinster House in a renewed effort to force action on the country's Assessment of Needs system. Beginning on Tuesday, Cara plans to sleep in a tent outside the Dáil for two nights, calling on the Government to introduce legally binding timelines to tackle growing delays.The protest comes as the latest figures show that more than 21,700 children are waiting beyond the statutory six-month deadline for an Assessment of Needs. Cara, whose campaigning previously helped secure the creation of "Cara's Fund" with more than €30 million in Government funding, says more urgent action is now needed.Cara Darmody joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us why she's returning to Leinster House and what she hopes this latest protest will achieve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday marked the Twelfth of July, traditionally one of the biggest celebrations in the unionist and loyalist calendar. But this year, the occasion came against the backdrop of one of the most difficult periods political unionism has faced in recent memory.Following a turbulent couple of years, culminating in last month's conviction of former DUP leader Geoffrey Donaldson on serious sexual offences, some are questioning the state of unionism and whether there was much to celebrate. The scandal has prompted renewed debate about leadership, public trust and the future direction of political unionism.Professor Deirdre Heenan, Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University and political commentator, believes political unionism is facing an existential crisis, with many voters feeling increasingly alienated and disillusioned.Professor Deirdre Heenan joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prolonged spell of hot, dry weather is putting growing pressure on water supplies across the country, with Uisce Éireann introducing night-time restrictions on 25 water supplies as a precaution.Here in the Greater Dublin Area region, including Meath and Louth, the utility is warning that demand for treated drinking water is exceptionally high, and it is appealing to households to reduce their usage where possible.We found out more about all of this on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 69 years of waiting, Louth are back in an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final, and excitement across the Wee County has reached fever pitch. This morning on The Agenda, we heard from Louth GAA Chair Sean McClean ahead of the biggest game in a generation, while passionate supporters share what a place in the final would mean. Plus, avid fans Hess Matthews and Jim McQuillan tell us about their new anthem, "These Men Are Boys No More," written to celebrate the team's remarkable journey.An absolutely stunning song performed by Rapscallion in Drogheda. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fear is growing in Duleek as masked scrambler bike riders continue to wreak havoc in housing estates and public spaces. Residents say they're fed up with the intimidation, reckless behaviour and damage, with many families now afraid to use local parks. This morning on The Agenda, we heard about why calls are growing for tougher action to restore safety and peace of mind in the community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to a disable woman living in Louth named Karen, who opened up about the shocking conditions she says she has endured for years in her council home. She claims the property has been overrun by rats, plagued by damp and mould, and left with poor insulation despite repeated pleas for help.Karen says she has killed more than 100 rats and spent thousands of euro of her own money trying to make the house safe for her family, including her autistic son. Now, after years of frustration, she's speaking out publicly in the hope that her story will finally lead to action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning on The Agenda, we heard about mounting concerns ahead of next weekend’s concerts in Slane, with rural residents raising questions over access to homes, farms and businesses during planned road closures. A local farmer (and Aontu rep) says carers, livestock owners and people who rely on the roads every day are worried about how they’ll get through during the busy weekend.We heard the concerns being raised from those living and working in the area, and what they say needs to happen to ensure local residents aren’t left cut off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning on The Agenda we discussed the mounting pressure over Ireland's alumina exports to Russia as fresh questions are raised following a vote in the European Parliament and an ongoing investigation into exports linked to Russia's war industry. We spoke to Minister of State for European Affairs and Meath East Fianna Fáil TD, Thomas Byrne, about Ireland's position, the growing scrutiny, and what could happen next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FAI says it has no regrets after a clear majority of delegates backed its decision to proceed with the Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixtures against Israel at an Extraordinary General Meeting.Almost 68 per cent voted in support of the Association's position, with FAI officials insisting they had no alternative but to move the home fixture to a neutral venue in Serbia, behind closed doors, amid concerns that protests in Dublin could have led to the match being abandoned and serious sanctions for Irish football.Despite the vote, the Stop the Game campaign says its opposition will continue, arguing the fixtures should not go ahead.Joining us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the outcome of the vote and what it means for Irish football was sports reporter Cathal Dervan.We also spoke to Sinn Féin TD for Louth & spokesperson on sport, Joanna Byrne, who has been a vocal supporter of the Stop the Game campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Police have been urged to intervene after a replica of a mosque was placed on top of a loyalist bonfire pyre in Co Tyrone.The model was visible on top of the pyre in Moygashel this morning.Signs saying "Secure our borders" and "End the threat of radical Islam" have also been placed on the fire which is made up of pallets and is due to be set alight tomorrow night.Amnesty International described it as a "vile display" and a "blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred and intimidate local families".We heard more about this on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dáil has voted overwhelmingly against legislation that would have banned hare coursing, with the proposed bill defeated by 125 votes to 24.The People Before Profit bill, which was backed by the Social Democrats, Labour and the Green Party, sought to outlaw the practice, arguing that it causes unnecessary suffering to hares, despite greyhounds being muzzled. Supporters of the ban also point out that hares are a protected species under Irish law and that Ireland remains one of the few countries in the European Union where hare coursing is still legal.However, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin voted against the bill, meaning the practice will continue.People Before Profit Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who has been one of the most outspoken advocates for banning hare coursing, joined us on The Agenda this morning to give us her reaction to this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Courts Service has said 55 solicitors have resigned from the criminal legal aid panel after the Government introduced a flat fee for those representing clients in criminal cases in district courts. Hundreds of solicitors have withdrawn their services from the free legal aid scheme in recent weeks in protest at the new payment system.Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan introduced a new flat rate of €520 for solicitors for representing a legal aid client in a criminal case, which came into effect on July 1.The Law Society has warned the move could have a devastating impact on access to justice, with concerns that defendants could face delays in securing legal representation and that court proceedings will continue to be disrupted.To discuss the ongoing dispute, what it means for solicitors, and the potential impact on the justice system, we were joined in-studio on The Agenda this morning by Drogheda criminal solicitor Paddy Goodwin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The opening of a new HSE surgical hub in Swords, designed to reduce waiting times for patients across the Dublin North East region, has prompted fresh concerns about the future of services at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan.The Government says the new facility will expand day-case surgery capacity, reduce pressure on acute hospitals and deliver benefits for patients in Meath and Louth. However, while local representatives have welcomed the additional capacity, some fear it signals a further shift of healthcare services away from Navan and towards Dublin.Campaigners have also questioned why Navan was not chosen as the location for the investment, pointing to the long travel distances many patients in Meath already face and warning against any further downgrading of local hospital services.Chair of the Save Navan Hospital Campaign and Aontú leader, Deputy Peadar Tóibín, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss those concerns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up to 12 households at the Steeples Apartments in Navan remain without electricity following a fire in the basement car park last week, which led to several residents being evacuated.Meath Fire Service has since issued a closure notice on the car park, warning it poses a serious and immediate risk due to fire safety concerns, including damaged electrical installations, inadequate emergency lighting and the absence of a fire alarm system.Residents have also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area, while some say they are frustrated by a lack of communication from the council and the apartment management company.Independent Councillor for Navan, Alan Lawes, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland’s growing wealth gap is being put under the spotlight, with a new report examining how a net wealth tax could be introduced and what impact it could have on the country’s finances.The report argues that while many households continue to feel the pressure of rising living costs and stretched public services, wealth at the very top has become increasingly concentrated. It claims a carefully designed wealth tax could raise billions for the Exchequer, helping to support areas such as housing, healthcare and public services.The briefing was hosted by Labour TD for Louth Ged Nash, who says taxing wealth is a key part of creating a fairer and more sustainable Ireland.Deputy Nash joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us about the report, the proposals being put forward, and why he believes a wealth tax could bring about significant change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is huge excitement building in County Louth ahead of this weekend’s historic All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final, but there are also calls for investment to ensure the county has the facilities to match its growing ambitions.Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has raised the issue in the Dáil, calling on the Government to redirect sports infrastructure funding towards projects that are ready to move forward.Deputy McGreehan has highlighted the next phase of the new Louth GAA Stadium, saying there is little point in funding sitting unused when communities are prepared to deliver major developments. We heard about all of this on The Agenda this morning.We also talked about the big game on Saturday and got some match predictions!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In just over a week, thousands of music fans will descend on Slane as Luke Combs headlines two major concerts at Slane Castle. While anticipation is building for what promises to be a huge weekend, some local residents say they're becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of information.People living in the village say they still haven't been told what traffic management plans, road closures or access arrangements will be in place, despite the concerts being just days away. They say the uncertainty is making it difficult to organise work, childcare, carers and everyday travel, particularly as this year's event is much larger than previous concerts.This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to one Slane resident, who says that with the concert only days away it is unacceptable that has been no communication between event organisers and Slane locals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calls for reform of Ireland's bail laws are back in the spotlight as the family of Shane O'Farrell continues its long campaign for change.Shane was just 23 years old when he was killed in a hit-and-run near his home in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, in August 2011. The driver responsible was out on bail at the time, despite a lengthy history of offending and a court ruling that should have seen him in custody.Last year, the Government issued a formal apology to the O'Farrell family, acknowledging that failures within the criminal justice system had left Shane exposed to a danger he should never have faced.However, almost a year on, Shane's family says meaningful reform has yet to materialise. Speaking before the Oireachtas Justice Committee this week, his mother warned that every delay leaves law-abiding citizens at unnecessary risk.Lucia O'Farrell joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calls for a statutory public inquiry into the treatment of older and vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic have been brought to the European Parliament.Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has used a speech in Strasbourg to highlight the experiences of families represented by Care Champions Ireland, an advocacy group campaigning for greater accountability and stronger protections for vulnerable adults.Speaking before the Parliament, Mr Mullooly shared the stories of families who say they were deeply affected by public health restrictions and decisions made during the pandemic. He argued that while Covid may be over, many families are still living with unanswered questions and deserve a full public inquiry into what happened in nursing homes, residential care settings and the wider community.We heard more about this on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced he is stepping down as the MP for Clacton and will contest the resulting by-election, describing the move as a direct challenge to what he calls the political establishment.Mr Farage made the announcement during a defiant address, saying he wanted to put his position back to voters and prove that there is continued public support for him remaining in Parliament. He said the decision was not about stepping away from politics, but about challenging what he described as attempts to undermine his leadership and prevent Reform UK from making further gains.The announcement comes as Mr Farage revealed he is facing a second investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over undeclared gifts. He has accused critics and parts of the media of unfair treatment.Peter McVerry from U105 joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Excitement is building right across County Louth ahead of this Saturday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final, with a real sense of anticipation taking hold in towns and villages across the wee county.From homes and businesses decked out in red and white, to flags, bunting and jerseys flying off the shelves, there's no doubt that Louth fever has well and truly arrived. Shop windows have been transformed, local traders are embracing the occasion, and supporters are proudly showing their colours as the countdown to Croke Park continues.It's not just about football – it's about community spirit, local pride and the boost that a major sporting occasion can bring to towns and businesses across the county.This morning on The Agenda we heard all about the atmosphere in Dundalk, how local businesses are getting behind the team, and what this historic occasion means for the county ahead of the big day on Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

***TRIGGER WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT***Gardai are investigating a report of alleged animal cruelty that took place in a public area in Ballymun, Dublin.It comes as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) Animal Rescue has said that its inspectors last Thursday responded to reports related to “the remains of a dog that had been severely burnt in Ballymun”. The remains were so badly damaged that identification was not possible. Inspectors also discovered what appeared to be a stick or pole lodged in the dog’s body.We heard more about this shocking incident on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louth is counting down to one of the biggest days in recent years, with thousands of supporters expected to make the journey to Croke Park this Saturday for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final.To help fans get to and from the capital, Iarnród Éireann has announced a number of additional rail services between Dundalk and Dublin Connolly. The extra trains went on sale last Friday, but with demand proving extremely strong, only a limited number of tickets now remain.Supporters are being urged to book their seats as soon as possible and to plan their journey in advance, with large crowds expected on what is sure to be a busy day for public transport.We found out more about this on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nine out of ten asylum seekers whose applications were assessed under a new fast-track international protection system have had their claims rejected by the State, according to internal Department of Justice briefings.The accelerated procedure, which is being rolled out on a permanent basis under EU-wide asylum reforms, is designed to deliver decisions — including appeals — within a 12-week timeframe. It applies to applicants from countries deemed “safe” or those who have already lodged an asylum claim in another EU member state.Under the system, those whose applications are refused are expected to be removed within a further three months. The Department has described a trial of the process as “very encouraging”, though it is likely to raise further debate around asylum policy and deportation timelines.We heard more about all of this on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Families in Louth are continuing to struggle with the cost and availability of childcare, with a local TD claiming Government inaction is leaving parents without the support they were promised.Sinn Féin’s Joanna Byrne says childcare remains unaffordable and inaccessible for many families, and has called on the Government to back her party’s motion calling for urgent reform of the sector. She says previous commitments made before the general election, including plans to significantly reduce monthly childcare costs, have yet to materialise.Deputy Byrne also points to what she describes as a shortage of childcare places in the county, with hundreds of providers operating but many facing waiting lists, leaving parents unable to secure places for their children. Deputy Joanna Byrne joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish businessman and philanthropist Martin Naughton, who founded the Glen Dimplex Group, has died aged 87.In a statement, his family said that he took ill while travelling in the US with his wife Carmel.He passed away a short time later at Harborview Medical Centre in Seattle.The entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist founded the Glen Dimplex Group and the Naughton Foundation.The Louth native founded Glen Electric in Newry in 1973, acquiring Dimplex four years later to form the Glen Dimplex Group. In 2016 he stepped down as president from the group.We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Tánaiste Simon Harris to remember the life and legacy of Martin Naughton. We also spoke to Paul Allen, who worked with Martin for a number of years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two gardaí remain off duty after what has been described as an "unprovoked, violent attack" outside Dundalk Garda Station on Tuesday morning. An off-duty garda was allegedly assaulted in the station car park, and a second garda was injured while attempting to arrest a man in his 20s. The Garda Representative Association has condemned the attack and is renewing calls for greater protections for frontline members.Meanwhile, concerns are growing over e-scooter safety after six children were admitted to intensive care at Temple Street Hospital and placed on life support in the past fortnight following e-scooter incidents. Assistant General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association, Tara McManus, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss both the attack in Dundalk and the renewed focus on e-scooter safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TDs clashed in the Dáil last week over the Government's decision to oppose legislation that would ban hare coursing. A bill brought forward by Deputy Paul Murphy from People Before Profit seeks to outlaw the practice, arguing that it causes unnecessary suffering to a protected wild species. While the Social Democrats, Labour and the Green Party have backed the proposal, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have opposed it ahead of a vote due this week.Hare coursing remains legal in Ireland despite hares being a protected species under the Wildlife Act, making Ireland one of only a handful of countries in Europe where the practice is still permitted. Defending the Government's position, Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins said animal welfare is of the "utmost importance", rejected claims that coursing supporters are being "demonised", and dismissed comparisons between hares and domesticated pets as "nonsense". Deputy Niall Collins joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss this some more… We were also joined by Deputy Paul Murphy, who is bringing forward the motion to ban hare coursing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A powerful new RTÉ documentary airing this week tells the story of a young Monaghan woman's death and her family's relentless search for answers.The Girl in the Water follows the case of 23-year-old Kelly Marie Lynch, whose body was discovered near Horseshoe Bridge on St Patrick's Day 2024. While the initial post-mortem concluded she died by drowning, subsequent expert reviews have raised different conclusions, prompting her family to continue seeking clarity about what happened in the final hours of her life.The documentary explores the conflicting forensic opinions, the family's determination to uncover the truth, and the wider questions it raises about death investigations and the search for justice.Alan Bradley from Alleycats TV, who produced The Girl in the Water, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week on The Agenda, we discussed the growing problem of dog fouling across the North East, with many listeners telling us it's become a daily frustration in their communities.After that programme, we were contacted by Julie Feely, who launched a major campaign on the issue back in 2013. Julie says she worked tirelessly to raise awareness, gathered ideas and best practice from Ireland and overseas, and repeatedly urged local authorities to introduce new measures to tackle the problem.She claims many of those proposals were never acted upon and believes a lack of enforcement and political will has allowed the issue to continue. More than a decade after she first began campaigning, Julie says it's incredibly frustrating that people are still raising the very same complaints.Julie joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning on The Agenda we had our weekly edition of the LMFM Roundtable debate panel, and this week were joined in-studio by 3 TD's from across the North East.Today we were joined by Fianna Fail TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan... Aontu leader & Aontu TD in Meath-West, Peadar Toibin.... and Sinn Fein TD for Louth, Ruairi O Murchu.Things got very heated on air with the TDs going head-to-head over Governments plans to phase out temporary fuel tax cuts from September and whether the Government is doing enough for the Irish people in the current cost of living crisis.We also disccused calls for a ban on hare coursing, decriminalising drugs for personal use and Dondald Trumps saying that he could visit Ireland very soon!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A startling new report has revealed the scale of abuse faced by female politicians in Ireland, with almost every woman surveyed saying they have experienced online harassment during their time in public office.The research, carried out by Women for Election as part of an EU-wide project, found that 96% of female TDs and Senators have been subjected to online abuse, while many have also received threatening messages and sexually explicit or demeaning content. Almost half said the abuse has changed the way they work in their constituencies, with many becoming more cautious about public engagements and canvassing.Campaigners say the findings raise serious concerns about the impact of gender-based abuse on democracy and on women's willingness to enter and remain in public life.Chair of the Women's Parliamentary Caucus and Louth Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of mothers and mothers-to-be is calling on the Government to protect access to private maternity care, saying women have been largely excluded from the debate over proposed changes to maternity services.The campaign group, Our Maternity Choice Ireland, has been formed in response to plans under Sláintecare that could see private maternity care phased out of public hospitals. The group argues that women should continue to have a choice in how and where they receive their maternity care and says the issue has not been properly discussed with the public.A petition calling on the Health Minister to protect private maternity care has already gathered thousands of signatures.Sarah from Our Maternity Choice Ireland joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about all of this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump has said he is considering travelling to Ireland later this year for the Irish Open, which will be held at his Doonbeg golf resort in Co Clare.In a video message played at US Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason’s Independence Day celebrations in Dublin, Mr Trump said he hoped to attend the tournament and watch what he described as “Rory and all the great players”. He added: “I think I’m going to come over, and I’m going to see it.”The Amgen Irish Open will take place at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg from September 9 to 13.In the same message, Mr Trump also spoke about Irish-American ties, praising the long-standing relationship between the two countries.Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, joined us on The Agenda this morning to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buying financial products online could soon become a lot more consumer-friendly, after new protections were signed into law giving people the right to speak to a real person instead of relying solely on chatbots or automated systems.The changes mean consumers can request human intervention when taking out financial products or services online or over the phone, helping to ensure they fully understand the implications before signing a contract. The new legislation also targets so-called "dark patterns" – online marketing tactics designed to pressure or manipulate people into making purchases they might not otherwise choose.We found out more about all of this on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning on The Agenda, we dsicussed the growing frustration over illegal and dangerous parking in Dundalk, after a local man told us that the situation is spiralling out of control.Gary contacted the show to tell us about what he describes as a frustrating pattern in Dundalk town, where he says he regularly has to ask motorists to move from loading zones just to be able to carry out his deliveriesWhen he challenged a motorist yesterday about her illegal parking, he was met with abuse and threats.Gary believes the chronic parking situation in the town is having a real impact on people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly has said it was an "oversight" not to declare that she had received payments under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme while questioning the Justice Minister about proposed changes to that very scheme at an Oireachtas committee this week.Deputy Butterly, who is a practising barrister, received €2,667 under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme in 2025. Under Oireachtas rules, TDs and Senators are required to declare any material interest when participating in debates or committee discussions if that interest has not already been declared in the Register of Members' Interests.The matter has prompted questions about transparency, potential conflicts of interest, and whether the current rules governing declarations are sufficiently robust.Deputy Butterly joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A jury has found a man guilty of the attempted murder of three children following the knife attack outside a school in Dublin's Parnell Square in November 2023.Riad Bouchaker was also found guilty of causing serious harm to crèche worker Leanne Flynn, along with assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager. The attack left one young girl with life-changing brain injuries and sparked riots across Dublin city.The jury rejected the defence's argument that Bouchaker did not have the intent required for attempted murder, bringing the high-profile trial to a close.This morning on The Agenda we recapped on the trial and verdict that gripped the nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was announced this week that the Government is to introduce paid leave for women who experience a miscarriage before 23 weeks of pregnancy.Under proposals being examined by Enterprise Minister Peter Burke, women would be entitled to five days' paid leave following an early miscarriage. It is also understood the same entitlement would apply to women who undergo an abortion.For many women, miscarriage remains a deeply personal experience, with many returning to work almost immediately because there is currently no dedicated statutory leave available.We were on joined on The Agenda this morning by Meath-based Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray, who bravely spoke to us about her own experience of multiple miscarriages.Senator Nelson Murray has been campaigning for greater support for women affected by pregnancy loss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The political fallout following Jeffrey Donaldson’s guilty plea to child sex offences continues, with fresh details emerging in recent days about aspects of the former DUP leader’s private life while he was one of the most prominent figures in unionist politics.Media reports have highlighted allegations relating to affairs, the use of gay saunas and excessive drinking, prompting further questions about how Donaldson was able to maintain what critics have described as a double life while serving as an MP and later as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.The revelations have reignited debate about accountability in public office, the culture within political parties, and whether there were warning signs that were missed during Donaldson’s decades-long political career.Former DUP MLA Jim Wells has been outspoken in his criticism, describing Jeffrey Donaldson as an "unmitigated liar" and accusing him of deceiving colleagues and the public for years. Jim Wells joined us on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Irish Government has officially passed legislation to scrap the contentious 32-million annual passenger cap at Dublin Airport, a limit originally set in 2007. Ministers say the move will allow the airport to meet growing demand and support future growth.But critics argue that removing the cap alone won't solve the airport's capacity problems. Dublin Airport Terminal 3 Limited says unless the Government also commits to building a second access route via the proposed M2 western link, congestion and transport bottlenecks will continue to limit the airport's potential.So, is lifting the passenger cap enough, or does Dublin Airport need major infrastructure investment before it can expand any further?We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Ulick McEvaddy, founder of Dublin Airport Terminal 3 Limited,We were also joined by Graeme McQueen from the DAA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today marks a significant moment for Ireland as the country officially takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time since joining what was then the European Economic Community in 1973.Over the next six months, Ireland will chair meetings, broker negotiations and help steer some of the EU's most important legislation through the decision-making process. With Europe continuing to face challenges ranging from security and defence to competitiveness, migration and the cost of living, this is expected to be one of the most demanding EU presidencies in recent years.So, what are Ireland's priorities, what can we expect from today's opening events, and what will the Presidency mean for Ireland both at home and on the European stage?Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, and Meath East Fianna Fáil TD, Thomas Byrne, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The number of boil water notices and water restriction notices issued across Ireland increased significantly last year, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency. In total, 100 public water supplies, affecting almost 200,000 people, were impacted in 2025—an increase of almost 20 per cent on the previous year.Despite the rise in notices, the EPA says the overall quality of Ireland's public drinking water remains very high, with 99.8 per cent of samples meeting the required safety standards. However, the findings raise questions about the resilience of the country's water infrastructure and the challenges facing public water supplies.EPA Inspector Ruth Barrington joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Residents and regular visitors are calling for urgent action to repair the road leading to Benhead Beach near Gormanston, saying its condition has deteriorated to the point where it poses a serious safety risk.The access road, which serves one of the north-east's most popular and secluded beaches, has become badly damaged with large potholes, prompting concerns from locals that someone could be injured if repairs are not carried out soon.The issue has been highlighted by the Benhead Babies swimming group, whose members use the beach throughout the year. They have been lobbying local councillors and Meath County Council to address what they say is a long-standing problem.We heard more about this on The Agenda this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claims made about the recent Finance Bill and proposed fuel excise increases have sparked a public disagreement between two Meath West TDs.Sinn Féin's Johnny Guirke took to social media to criticise Aontú leader and fellow Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín, claiming he failed to speak out in the Dáil on the issue and arguing that rural communities and motorists deserved stronger opposition to the measures.Deputy Tóibín has strongly rejected those claims, describing them as untrue and insisting that he did raise the issue of fuel excise during the Finance Bill debate.Things got very heated on The Agenda this morning when we were joined on the show by Sinn Féin TD Johnny Guirke and also by Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín, who came head to head over the issue.Deputy Guirke branded Deputy Toibin a "cry baby" live on air. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Navan resident says he has launched a civic initiative aimed at testing how open political parties and public representatives are to direct, unscripted feedback from members of the public.Darren Stapleton says he has contacted the leaders of all major political parties, including local representative and leader of Aontu, Peadar Tóibín, with what he describes as a “raw reflection” on the cost of living and the barriers he believes exist to political participation, including party membership fees.He says the exercise is intended to gauge how seriously politicians engage with ordinary constituents when faced with direct and unfiltered views, rather than formal correspondence or structured submissions.Darren also contacted media outlets to conduct the same test, and he joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The daughter of a Balbriggan man who was killed by his partner has welcomed planned changes to the law that would reform how character references are presented in court for people convicted of serious offences.Karen Ryan has been campaigning for change since her father, James Ryan, was killed in 2024 by his partner, Olesja Hertova . Karen has now spoken about the distress caused when a character reference was submitted on behalf of the woman convicted of his killing during sentencing.The Government has now agreed to support an amendment to legislation that would require character references in cases involving serious offences, including unlawful killing, domestic violence and coercive control, to be made under oath in open court or by sworn affidavit.Karen says the changes are an important step and could help spare other grieving families from further trauma during court proceedings, and she joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke has launched a strong attack on the Government over what he describes as persistent failures in planning and a chronic shortage of community infrastructure across County Meath.Raising the issue in the Dáil with the Minister for Housing and Planning, Deputy O’Rourke said the county has been left “buckling” under decades of rapid population growth, while basic facilities such as playing pitches, playgrounds and public parks have not kept pace with demand.Deputy O'Rourke joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.