Lunchtime Live

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!

The redevelopment of Dublin’s Victorian fruit and vegetable market is finally happening - to the tune of €26 million.Work will start in June, and will take about two years to finish.By the time it’s done, the plan is to have new shops and restaurants with at least 80 stalls inside.So, what needs to happen?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Food Writer and Editor of Scoop magazine Dee Laffan, Chef and owner of Wildflower restaurant in Blackrock Market Adrian Martin, Green Party Councillor for the North Inner City Janet Horner, Joseph Duffy, fourth generation florist who used to work in the market and Tom Durcan from Durcan Meats in Cork's English Market.

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

Parental separation and marital breakdown can be an extremely challenging time for children…A new book called ‘It's Not Fair’ helps kids to adjust when mum and dad separate.Deirdre McCarthy, a Social Worker and Lecturer in Trauma-Informed Care at University College Cork and author of ‘It’s Not Fair – Parental Separation Hurts’ joins Andrea to discuss.

Over €54 million worth of plastic bottles and cans have gone unclaimed in a year…So, why are some people refusing to buy into the Deposit Return Scheme?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

The costs associated with weddings can be great, so any financial reprieve for the bridal party would be nice; but would you have your bridesmaids get their dresses from a supermarket?A budget range of bridesmaid gowns are becoming available in ASDA in the UK, can a certain stylish quality be upheld with a cheaper option? Or, is dress rental a sounder financial choice?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Newstalk’s Helena O’Toole, Stylist Laura Mullet and Sarah Kennedy from ‘The Aisle’ blog and Wedding Expert.

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!This week, Andrea is joined by Chef and Director of Conbini Condiments, Holly Dalton to learn about her recipes for overnight oats, granola and dumplings!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Canadians travelling to Ireland have been given a warning by their government that if they’re arriving here to forge a romance that they struck up online, they may in fact be the victim of a scam…Other travel advice such as to avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery as well as carrying large sums of cash as pickpockets may be targeting tourists.Is Ireland particularly unsafe for tourists, or is this just general advice for all tourists?On top of this, the Irish Hotel Federation have stated that they are €100 million down for bookings year-on-year. So: has Ireland become unappealing to tourists?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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

For people who can’t sleep, you’ll try anything…There are tons of new “trends” to try, all under the name of ‘sleepmaxxing’.But, what is it, and do any of them work?Dr. Neil Stanley, co-author of ‘A Sleep Divorce: How to Sleep Apart, Not Fall Apart’ joins Andrea to discuss.

Labour TD Eoghan Kenny has questioned the changes to leaving cert claiming that continuous assessment projects disproportionately favour children from affluent families.Andrea is joined by Labour TD and Party Spokesperson for Education, Eoghan Kenny, Michael Gillespie, General Secretary of Teachers Union of Ireland, Jennifer Horgan, Teacher and Columnist and Eric Nelligan, Teacher and member of Aontú to discuss.

Pets are very much part of the family, but how much are you willing to spend on your furry friend?From private jets and salon treatments to dog yoga and luxury hotel stays, Ireland’s luxury pet industry is booming.Andrea is joined by Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service, Adam Golder, founder of K9 Jets and more to explore the lengths people can go to.

From an Irish paramedic saving lives abroad to a dog eating teddy bears, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Thousands of families are living in rental properties that are too cold, and too damp.According to a new report today, hundreds of thousands of rented homes have poor energy ratings - meaning people are living in cold homes.So, should landlords be forced to do something about it?Andrea is joined by Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West Peter Finn, AKA Pete the Builder as well as listeners to discuss.

If you have noisy neighbours or live by a busy road, you’ll want to listen to this…The Home Squad are here to talk about all things soundproofing!Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former ‘Home of the Year’ winner and Róisín Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty, to discuss.

On the show yesterday, Shane Gleeson was discussing how the five Spar shops he owns around Limerick City are being hit again and again by shoplifters…So, how big of a problem is crime in the retail sector?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Shane’s brother Michael Gleeson, Eric Matthews, owner of Kicky’s Restaurant on South Great George’s Street in Dublin and Frayank Nunez, owner of 'It’s A Trap’ micro-bakery and coffee shop on Aungier Street in Dublin…

Senator Anne Rabbitte was first elected to the Dáil in 2016 when she was elected in Galway East, and has served in public office ever since.Anne recently lost her seat in the Dáil, but has since been appointed to the Seanad by Taoiseach Michéal Martin.Anne joins Andrea to discuss.

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

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

2.1 billion euro has been collected in tolls on Irish roads since 2008…The Newstalk exclusive found that the port tunnel alone collected €32 million in 2024, up from €28.8m the previous year.So, are we paying too much in toll charges?Andrea is joined by listeners, including Shane O’Donoghue, Editor with Completecar.ie.

Breast reduction is fast becoming one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures in Ireland.But, just how safe is it, and what is involved?For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Éilís Fitzgerald - Consultant Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon at Beacon Hospital to answer any of your questions!

The popularity of shows such as ‘The White Lotus’, which is in its third season set in Thailand, may be contributing to an increase in travel to Asia.Or, is it simply that travel in Europe has become too expensive?Andrea is joined by Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel & Solo Travel to discuss.

International students are being offered rent-free accommodation in exchange for sex and bed-shares with strangers.One in seven people have been offered rentals where they share a room – and sleep in the same bed – with people they do not know. One in 20 have been offered sex-for-rent arrangements.That’s according to a new report from the Irish Council for International students…To discuss, Andrea is joined by Senator and CEO of the Irish Council for International Students, Laura Harmon as well as one student, Darling.