Lunchtime Live

Budget 2026 comes out today.One thing that is known ahead of the full announcement is that Ministers are taking the first step towards ending the means test for carers…The Carer’s Allowance means test will increase by €200 to €825 a month for a single person and by €400 to €1,650 a month for a couple.What do carers think of the change?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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

Big news broke last night in the race for the Áras: Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin has withdrawn from the Presidential election, following controversy over an unregistered tenancy linked to his past.It’s a major blow to the party and a shake-up in the race just weeks out from polling day…Joining Andrea to discuss the fallout and what it means for the campaign ahead is Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for the Wicklow–Wexford Constituency & Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, Leanne Mallen, the President of Ógra Fianna Fáil and listeners.

Drogheda campaigners are launching a film today to showcase why they believe Drogheda should be made a city.Drogheda City Status Group has said "Unprecedented residential development in Drogheda and its hinterland means that city status has become an absolute necessity."Achieving city status can unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including increased funding for infrastructure and programs.This begs further questions about other large towns around the country, are they getting left behind? Do big towns get enough resources?Joining Andrea to discuss is Anthony Murphy, Public Relations Officer with the Drogheda City Status Group, as well as listeners.Image: Discover Ireland

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Off the Ball’s Colm Boohig and Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘Therapy Crouch’!Image: Acast

Every parent fears their teenage children immediately going off the rails if they’re not kept under constant lock and key.But, does a helicopter strategy make life harder for everyone involved, and do kids do better when left to their own devices?Gwen Loughman wrote in the Journal about being as hands-off as possible with your own children over the summer, she joins Andrea, along with Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley and listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, John Keogh, Group Director of News at Newstalk joins Andrea to answer any of your newsroom questions!

As winter creeps in, you might feel your energy dipping along with the dark and stormy weather.Today, Dr Ravi Gill joins Andrea to give some tips and tricks as to how to keep yourself still feeling fresh this autumn season!

The past two weeks, the topic of eating disorders has been covered on Lunchtime Live, and how they affect families and individuals that are affected…Today, we’re speaking to a top eating disorder specialist with St Vincent’s Hospital to get an insight into what treatment looks like at a clinical level.Dr Art Malone, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lead with the Adult Eating Disorder Service at St Vincent’s joins Andrea to discuss…

Ireland Fashion Week, the very first of its kind, begins next week on October 6th.The week will be full of shows, talks and exhibitions of fashion, both past and present.Entrepreneur and Founder of Irish Fashion Week, Ashley McDonnell, Stylist and Creative Designer Anne O’Shea and Jack Pierce join Andrea to discuss!

From claw machine rescue to oyster theft fiasco, Newstalk’s Eamonn Torsney joins Andrea with the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

The National Transport Authority are being questioned on when they will reinstate catering services on all Irish Rail intercity routes. The service, which was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, has not yet been fully restored.Senator Mark Duffy has called for this service to be reinstated saying “Passengers travelling long distances across the country deserve basic amenities, and catering should not be regarded as a luxury and is seen as a standard service on rail across Europe.”We want to know, how has your experience with Irish rail been recently? Were you recently on a train where you didn’t receive any food or drink?Joining Andrea to discuss is Chair of Galway Commuters Coalition, Lochlann Gallagher, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail, Barry Kenny and listeners.

If you have a fireplace at home, you may not be using it to its full potential. So, what should you do with it, use it as intended, or turn it into something new?From function to decoration, the Home Squad are here to discuss fireplace potential!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) & Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

The MetroLink rail line has been given the green light today!An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved the 19km line in full which could see airport to city journeys of 20 minutes…It’s definitely good news, but when do you think we will see the line completed?Andrea is joined by Cllr Feljin Jose,  Spokesperson for Transport for the Green Party, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Mayo University Hospital is reaching dangerous patient levels as it is running at 113% occupancy, when safe levels are 85%. It comes after nurses are balloting for strike action to address the issue.With a lack of injury units across the county, many people have no option but to attend the emergency department at Mayo University Hospital for minor treatments as they have no alternative options…Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss the issue.

The topic of eating disorders has been covered a lot for the past two weeks on Lunchtime Live. We’ve heard from listeners across the country about the issues they have dealt with themselves, and in their families.What we’ve come to understand is that many people have an issue with the lack of provisions provided for eating disorders here in Ireland. Lack of public beds, long waiting times for diagnoses, and difficulties finding specialist care are all issues that have been raised with us…Now we’re asking: why aren’t there more supports available in this area?Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, joins Andrea 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 Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Take That’s album ‘Everything Changes’!

Do you believe inheritance tax should be scrapped? If so, you’re in the majority, according to data from a new survey.Research by Royal London Ireland found that 83% of adults in Ireland are in favour of getting rid of inheritance tax when it comes to the family home.Joining Andrea to discuss is the Money Doctor John Lowe, Jean Cashman. Registered Tax Consultant, as well as listeners…

Do you like holding a grudge? Is having a list of enemies part of the spice of life? Or, are grudges something we should avoid completely?Joining Andrea to discuss is Clinical Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley, Content Editor with Evoke, Sinead Dalton 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…

The topic of eating disorders has been covered on this show a lot recently, and the impact that they can have on families and carers.Today, we wanted to talk to people who have battled eating disorders themselves, to understand their own personal experience.Franciska Maria, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist and Shane Blake both join Andrea to share their stories…

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital 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 what seems to be a new medical breakthrough, and answer your questions.

New protections for businesses against defamation claims aren’t good enough, according to business owners.The Defamation Bill 2024, which is due before the Seanad today, does not go far enough to protect businesses, they claim, and they have called for certain amendments.Joining Andrea to discuss is Tara Buckley. Retail Grocers Trade Association Director General, Ronan Lupton, Senior Counsel and Specialist in Media Law, as well as business owners.

Middle Abbey Street and North Frederick Street have been chosen for a ‘bold urban-rejuvenation’ pilot scheme.Gardaí and nurses will be among ‘key workers’ eligible to rent in the new low-cost Dublin city homes.But, who should be considered a key worker and will they be able to afford these new cost rental schemes?Joining Andrea to discuss is Chair of the Urban Redevelopment Working Group, Soc Dems Cllr Cian Farrell, former Garda inspector in north central Dublin, former Deputy-Secretary of the AGSI and current Risk, Security & Event Manager of Ashtree Risk Group, Tony Gallagher and listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Pat Keville, owner of the Plant Store in Dublin to answer any of your plant-related questions!

No, it’s not an episode of Black Mirror, AI actors are supposedly an up and coming thing. Tilly Norwood is an AI actress made by company Particle6, but the real question is: would you watch an AI actor? Or, would you rather stick with the real thing?Joining Andrea to discuss is Casting Director Shauna Griffith and Aisling Goodwin, Actor and Dialect Coach.Image: Xicoia

As we move from summer into the winter months, the weather is getting darker and more gloomy.And it’s not just the general atmosphere that’s affected, as storm season will soon get underway…But, is the Government prepared to tackle extreme weather events?The Climate Advisory Council has warned that there has been no tangible storm action taken since storms Darragh and Eowyn, which wreaked havoc across the country earlier this year.Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

“Text me when you get home” is a very common phrase used among women. Whether you are jumping in a taxi after a night out, or driving home from the cinema, the departure among girls and their friends is one that always ensures that they get home safely.Andrea’s two guests are so well versed in this topic that they have dedicated a comedy show to it.In partnership with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, comedians Claire Roche and Justine Halpin will be performing their comedy show ‘Are Ya Alright Getting Home?’. They join Andrea to discuss.If you ever need it, the Dublin Rape Crisis phone number is available 24/7 on 1800 77 88 88.

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 Tim Pringle, Hidden Hearing's Chief Audiologist in Northern Ireland to discuss ear wax removal!

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien will seek approval today for legislation to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. As it stands, the cap is set at 32 million passengers per year. By lifting the cap, it will mean that there will be no restrictions on the number of people entering and exiting Dublin Airport each year.The cap was initially brought in in 2007 after the construction of Terminal 2. Since then, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has been calling on the Government to scrap the cap, as he feels it is long overdue…So, should it be done?Joining Andrea to discuss is Cathal Boland, Fingal Independent Councillor, Hotelier and bar owner, Eoin Doyle, Irish Environmentalist Duncan Stewart, owner of Vaughan Lodge Hotel Lahinch, Michael Vaughan and listeners.

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

It was a case that gripped the nation: the murder of Tina Satchwell by her husband as she tried to escape from his coercive control…After killing his wife, Richard Satchwell stored her body in a fridge freezer for several days before burying her in a grave he had dug underneath the stairs of their home.Virgin Media Courts Correspondent Deborah Naylor joins Andrea to discuss the documentary ‘The Trial of Richard Satchwell’ which will air tonight…

Team Europe took victory over team USA in the 2025 Ryder Cup over the weekend. The European team which claimed a 15-13 victory over the USA team were victorious in their win, after being faced by unnecessary heckling.It wasn’t only the players that faced abuse. Erika McIlroy was seen wiping away tears after US fans shouted abuse at her as well as having a drink spilled over her…This is not something we are used to seeing in golf. What has changed within this sport, and what needs to be done to prevent this happening in the future?Joining Andrea to discuss is Journalist and Presenter of Golf Weekly podcast, Fionn Davenport, English Professional Golfer Annabel Dimmock, General Manager with Sligo Golf Club, David O’Donovan and more.

Andrea was joined last week by parents who are struggling to get help for their children living with eating disorders…It got a huge reaction, and it’s obviously something that they’re not alone with.Today Andrea is joined by Lynda Duffy, a Licensed RTT Practitioner with personal experience of this. They discuss the disorder, and what the current state of support services are.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Sarah Jayne Tobin, Editor of DMG and Tom Douglas from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘Unicorn Girl’!Image: Apple Podcasts

Dublin has made international headlines recently, not for its charm, but for concerns around safety, especially after an NFL player was reportedly assaulted in the city centre over the weekend…Is this a one-off incident, or is Dublin’s global reputation starting to shift? Is Dublin getting a bad name abroad? What can be done to improve things?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ian Redmond, owner of Hyde and Doug’s Bar, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Gavin O’Hagan, Airside Service Delivery Manager with Dublin Airport, joins Andrea to answer any of your airport managing questions!

Time Out Magazine has put The Liberties in Dublin on its list for the 39 coolest neighbourhoods in the world.Does it deserve to be there?Joining Andrea to discuss is Kevin O'Kelly Jr, owner of the Thomas House Pub and Amy Ryan, Visitor Services Manager at Marsh’s Library Liberties.

Yesterday, Andrea spoke with Paula Crotty who discussed losing her daughter to an eating disorder…It got a really big reaction, so we want to stay with it.How big of an issue are eating disorders in Ireland?Joining Andrea to discuss is Aveen Bannon, Dietican with the Dublin Nutrition Centre, as well as listeners with experience…

Many people are at risk of being evicted and made homeless after the Government’s announcement this week that it will exempt small cabin homes on family land, such as back gardens, from planning rules…The plan has come too late for Andrea’s guest, who demolished his timber chalet-style home last month. Brendan McDonagh from Brittas lost an eight-year battle to keep a timber chalet-style home he built on his parents’ land in Brittas, in the foothills of the Dublin mountains. He was fined €2,000 in the District Court.Brendan and his family did not qualify for HAP, and built their log cabin as a place for him, his wife and two children to live.Since the demolition, their friends have rallied around them to set up a GoFundMe for the family.Brendan joins Andrea to discuss, as well as Town Planner Derek Whyte.

From Waterford boy racers to Limerick jazz, Newstalk’s Eamonn Torsney joins Andrea with the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

American Football is back in Dublin, and this time, it’s bigger than ever!The Vikings and the Steelers will be going head to head in Croke Park this Sunday, as thousands of international fans flock to Ireland to watch the match.But, are we rolling out too much of a red carpet for the event?Andrea is joined by Independent Councillor Mannix Flynn, Cian Fahey from Off the Ball, as well as listeners, to discuss.

When you want to make a big change to your home, there are few better options than your windows and doors, both inside and outside of the house.From variety to cost to inflation, the Home Squad are here to discuss choosing windows and doors!Joining Andrea to discuss is Martin Glynn, Founder and CEO of The DIY Academy and Jenny Sheahan, former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and @workerscottage on instagram.

Andrea’s guest attempted to buy and sell clothes sustainably on Vinted. Laura Burke sold a dress on the platform for €75 to a French customer. Going about delivering her parcel correctly and on time, she thought she had done everything the same way she normally does. It wasn't until she was told that she had scammed the customer that she realized she herself was being scammed…Laura joins Andrea to tell the story, and Rosalyne Lipsett, Fashion Broadcaster with Ireland AM also joins to discuss.

Ticketmaster is being forced to change how it advertises tickets after the dramatic Oasis dynamic pricing backlash.They’ll have to tell fans 24 hours in advance if a “tiered” pricing system is being used as it was for Oasis standing tickets.And they’ll have to provide more information during online queueing, so you'll know when the cheaper batch of tickets have sold out.So, does this go far enough?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly, CEO of First Music Contact Angela Dorgan and listeners.

When a loved one has an eating disorder, what help is available to them?Paula Crotty lost her daughter Jennifer two years ago to an eating disorder, and is Founder of CARED Ireland, a support group for parents and carers for loved ones with eating disorders. Jenny Langley, is a lived experienced carer and workshop facilitator.They join Andrea 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 Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Simply Red’s album ‘Stars’!

With Ireland’s housing crisis showing no signs of easing, the Government has confirmed that the First Homes Scheme will remain limited to new builds in Budget 2026 — excluding second-hand homes, despite earlier commitments.This decision has raised fresh questions about affordability, access, and the Government’s broader housing strategy…Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciarán Mulqueen from Crazy House Prices, as well as listeners.

Do you find yourself doomscrolling for hours, even though there’s a million other things you’d rather be doing?We’re all prone to spending too much time on our phones, but when is enough, enough? Singer Cian Ducrot recently encouraged people to get rid of their social media to improve their mental health.Joining Andrea to share their experiences of this is Rosanna Irwin. Founder of Samsú Digital Detox Cabins, Sarah Madden, Newstalk Reporter and Hilda Burke, Psychotherapist & author of ‘The Phone Addiction Workbook’.

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…