Lunchtime Live

Should learner drivers only be allowed four consecutive learner permits if they do not pass their driving test?The Department of Transport has suggested plans which would mean after six years the driver would have to begin the process of retaking the theory test…What do you think?Andrea is joined by Brenda Bolger, Driving Instructor at Bolger’s Driving School, as well as listeners, to discuss.

About 2,300 people living in and around Cappamore, a small village about 20 minutes outside Limerick City, have been without drinking water since September 2023.Why is this happening? And is it an issue elsewhere around the country?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Principal of Scoil Chaitríona, Nicola Blake, John Hayes, owner of Haye’s Bar and Restaurant Cappamore and Councillor Martin Ryan.

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 open fridge looking for inspiration!Adrian Martin, owner of Luigi Malones Temple Bar and the Wildflower Restaurant in Dublin joins Andrea this week to discuss ‘dump bags’, and why they’re more appealing than that name sounds!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is coming face to face with US President Donald Trump for the annual St Patrick’s Day meeting next week.With all the talks of tariffs and international security, there is arguably more riding on this yearly tradition than ever before…As we saw from Trump’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy - it can go one way or another...How does Micheál Martin approach a character like Donald Trump?Joining Andrea to discuss is Political Commentator and former Senior Government Advisor Gerard Howlin, Patti Shields from Democrats Abroad and Larry G. Maguire, Work Psychologist in Dublin.Image: Reuters

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Anne Marie Kennedy, Chartered Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychologist joins guest host Jess Kelly to answer any questions about getting your head in the game!

Apparently, snoring is the biggest bedroom ‘ick’ and 5% of couples even split up because of it!About a quarter of us lose sleep because of our partner’s snoring – and it can cause a lot of bedroom fights…So, how do we stop it driving us apart?Joining guest host Jess Kelly to discuss is Dr. Neil Stanley, co-author of ‘A Sleep Divorce: How to Sleep Apart, Not Fall Apart’.

A number of residents in the Adamstown area of west Dublin have been told that electric vehicle chargers they have installed in front of their homes will be removed because parking spaces and pathways in the development are regarded as common areas…Joining guest host Jess Kelly to discuss are local residents, as well as Derren Ó Brádaigh, Sinn Féin Local Area Representative and Shane O’Donoghue, Editor with Completecar.ie.

Spending time going places and doing things alone can be personally transformative.However, it can also be daunting…So, how do you become ok with doing things alone?To discuss, guest host Jess Kelly is joined by Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel and Solo and Mark Fennell, Life Coach.

From big barefoot walks to big filming in Galway, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Jess Kelly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

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 guest host Jess Kelly to discuss is Former Irish Rugby International, Shane Byrne, Ger Gilroy from Off The Ball and more!

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?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

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 know! Guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Designs and Sarah Carroll from Sand & Deliver to discuss.

Fishing is a time-honored activity that has been practiced for thousands of years, blending skill, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world.Whether pursued as a hobby, a sport, or a livelihood, fishing offers a unique way to connect with nature.So, has fishing become more popular in recent years?Sinead Ryan is joined by Gerard McLoughlin from the Kells Anglers Association, owner of Rory’s Fishing Tackle in Temple Bar, Mary Harkin and Host of the Lure Fishing Podcast, Cormac Walsh to discuss.

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 worked with the likes of David Bowie, Madonna, Sex Pistols, Rolling Stones and has run the Isle of Wight Festival since its revival in 2002.Is there any truth to this?To discuss, guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by John Brereton, Grand Social PR Manager & Director of the Dublin Bowie Festival, Rebecca Cappuccini, Spokesperson for Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, First Music Contact CEO Angela Dorgan and Marcus Lester from Plug Artists.

There are growing fears that people will fall further into arrears as energy prices remain stubbornly high - with price hikes incoming.This year the costs will be compounded by the lack of energy credits…So, how will households deal with these increases?Guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by Izzy Petrie, Research & Policy Officer for Energy Poverty SVP, Darragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie and more to discuss.

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!

Prison overcrowding is at another crisis point with all secure jails having reached, or exceeded, capacity for the first time.More than 100 prisoners were sleeping on the floors of Mountjoy on Tuesday night when numbers reached a record 1,000.With, clearly, some major issues with the Irish prison system, how can things be solved?Joining guest host Sinead Ryan to discuss is Niall Spelman, retired Prison Governor, Kathleen Chada, Founder of SAVE Action Group, Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association and more.

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!

Last night, Meghan Markle’s Netflix cooking show finally dropped, after much anticipation… and it has been roasted by critics and pretty much anyone who has seen it.So, has all interest in Harry and Megan finally waned?Andrea is joined by Founder of Goss.ie, Alexandra Ryan and Entertainment TikTokker Holli Breslin.Image: Netflix

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 focus on defence…Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, set out a broad proposal to ramp up European defense by as much as €800 billion.Germany's likely next Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has also proposed billions in new defence spending.This all comes as debate stirs around Ireland’s neutrality and the ‘triple lock’ system, freeing up Irish troops to be deployed overseas.As Europe prepares for war, what do you want Ireland's role to be in it?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator and former member of the Defence Forces, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst and more.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, Andrea is joined by Singer and Songwriter, Ruthanne.Ruthanne has spoken on the show before about her experience with endometriosis. She joins to discuss how life has been since, and the awareness around the condition.

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

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 of the year.The project is expected to cost about €3 billion…But, does Cork need it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ken O’Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork, Stephan Koch, UCC Commuter Plan Manager, Joe Lawton, Bus Driver for Martin Twomey’s Coaches Cork & former Bus Éireann driver for 48 years and more.Image: Cork City Council

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

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 Dublin.Andrea speaks to all those caught up in ‘Sabrina-mania.’

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 and ask the question, is there enough help for people with suicidal thoughts in Ireland? If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Contact Samaritans at 116 123 or Pieta at 1800 247 247 for free, confidential support 24/7.

How do we tackle an issue like school absenteeism? Fergus Finlay, Political Commentator, Irish Examiner Columnist & Former CEO of Barnardo's joins Andrea with a number of other guests to go through this rising problem.

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

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 the same site. But news today from Revenue says homeowners who hope to take advantage of this could face an extra property tax bill.Andrea speaks to all those affected by this potential backtracking.

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 questions!

Yesterday, Andrea heard from Joe Loughnane and the tragic death of his brother by suicide…Since then, listeners have been sending in their experiences of mental health services in Ireland.Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss, as well as Sarah O’ Toole, Executive Director at the Samaritans.If any of these issues have impacted you, please call the Samaritans on 116 123.

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 movies!So, what blockbuster movie have you never watched?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Movie Critic, Brian Llyod, Ciara Treacy from the Newstalk Digital team and Tom Douglas, from Newstalk’s Newsroom.Image: Disney

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

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 native Michael Moynihan, who was speaking to Newstalk earlier today.What do you think? Do people in Dublin sometimes act like they’re at the centre of the universe?Are we too Dublin-centric in Ireland?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie, as well as listeners.

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 here to let you know! Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former ‘Home of the Year’ winner and Sarah Carroll, @sand.and.deliver on Instagram.

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 story, and is calling for changes in hospital policy.Joe joins Andrea to discuss...If any of these issues have impacted you, please call the Samaritans on 116 123.

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’s sport still getting ridiculed like this?Joining Andrea to discuss is Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry and Kathleen McNamee, Laoise Lenehan, Kildare Football Captain and Mary McCarthy, Irish Independent Columnist.

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

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 health system like we see in the US?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Bernard Mahon, a Lecturer in Maynooth who was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. Also joining to discuss is listener Samantha.

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-related questions!

Flowery and embellished language is being overused to describe basic dishes, and apparently, it’s a real bugbear for the Countdown star Susie Dent.So, has the language on restaurant menus become overly pretentious?Andrea is joined by Russell Alford, Sunday Times Ireland Restaurant Critic and Ali Dunworth, Food Writer to discuss.

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 demanding change…Andrea is joined by Ruth Coppinger, People Before Profit Solidarity TD for Dublin West, as well as listeners, to discuss.If you are affected by this content - help is available:National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778 888Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900

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 vehicle mechanics and electrical work.It begs the question: is there enough done to support kids into trades, rather than third level education?Conor Doolan, Iarnród Éireann's Apprentice Training Manager as well as listeners join Andrea to discuss.

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

Have you noticed an increase in vaping indoors in Ireland?Vaping in pubs, restaurants, cinemas – has it become normalised?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Professor Luke Clancy, Consultant Respiratory Physician and founder of the Tobacco Free Research Institute, as well as listeners.

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 and Off The Ball’s Colm Boohig joined Andrea to review ‘The Louis Theroux Podcast’!Image: Spotify

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 is joined by Dr Claire Hayes, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Lecturer, and author of ‘Finding Hope in the Age of Anxiety: Recognize It, Acknowledge It and Take Your Power Back’ as well as Mark Fennell, Life Coach, to discuss.

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 third.Tomorrow is National Slow Down Day, and Gardaí have announced that they are going to have an increased number of speed checkpoints around the country – but wouldn't we send a stronger message by properly policing our roads year-round?What do you think?Andrea is joined by Dakota Nic Mheanman, Sinn Féin Councillor in Donegal, Mairead Forsythe, Spokesperson for the LOVE30 Campaign as well as listeners to discuss.

This week is Eating Disorder Awareness week. One eating disorder that you may hear a lot less about is ‘addictive eating’. Two members of Addictive Eaters Anonymous, Ruth and Isabelle as well as Lynda Duffy, Eating Disorders Therapist, join Andrea to discuss.

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 Leona McDonnell, Mindfulness and Wellness Coach, who advocates for stepping outside barefoot!