Lunchtime Live

Yesterday we spoke to Aolish and Michelle about their experiences with postnatal depression. And it seemed to really strike a chord with a lot of people listening. One of the things that came up time and time again in your texts was that people just don’t talk about it enough. So we want to talk about it more. Andrea was joined by Jemma, Tara and Aileen Hickie, CEO of Parentline to discuss...

One listener got in touch with Lunchtime Live via a voicenote to complain about people without kids parking parent in and child car spaces.Andrea was joined by Chrissie Russell and others to discuss...

It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live... 

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has questioned how people can attend anti-migration demonstrations during the day while most others are at work.   Is she being fair assuming that protestors aren’t working? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Brian McIntyre from the SEAI joined Andrea to answer your questions around home energy upgrades...

About one in eight women suffer from postnatal depression after giving birth, but it’s something that many people feel uncomfortable opening up about. Andrea Gilligan was joined by Aolish and Michelle to discuss their experiences...

Actress Emma Stone has defended graphic sex scenes in Yorgos Lanthimos's (PRON: LAN – TEE – MOUSE)  Oscar-tipped film Poor Things, saying they are true to her character, Bella’s experience.  In recent weeks there has also been much discussion around some of the more shocking scenes in Barry Keoghan movie ‘Saltburn’. Are there too many sex scenes in movies and TVs shows these days? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

We have made a new year’s resolution on the show this year to look on the brighter side of life.  Our new item Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy, will look at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.  Blue Monday is behind us and now more than ever we need reasons to be happy!   Newstalk’s own Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in studio to put a smile on your faces.... 

Is the pedestrianization of our towns a good move?  Plans to pedestrianization a street in Malahide look set to go ahead despite local opposition.  But would you welcome it in your town? Andrea was joined by locals and listeners to discuss...Image: Fingal County Council

There were clashes between Gardai protestors last night when over a dozen asylum seekers were moved into Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea, Co Tipperary.  There has been daily demonstrations outside the hotel after it was announced last week that asylum seekers would be housed there. Andrea was joined by locals and listeners to discuss...

Dubai has apparently been voted the most overrated place to visit. Overrated and overhyped apparently. What were your most overrated holiday destinations? Andrea was joined by Melanie May, Ellen Fitzpatrick, Audience Editor with the Irish Independent, Megan Virgo, travel blogger and others to discuss...

Coming back after January, Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well.John Lowe of MoneyDoctors.ie joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today to discuss how to manage your money...

Could we soon be travelling to SuperValu Park for Cork’s intercounty games? A historic rights deal is set to see the famous Pairc Ui Chaoimh renamed. The stadium is named after former GAA director general Pádraig Ó Caoimh who led the GAA for 35 years. What do you think, would the renaming bother you? Or is this just the way things are going? Andrea was joined by Donal O’Chaoimh, Padraig O’Caoimh’s Grandson and others to discuss...

Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live today by Nina and Mairie to discuss their experiences coping with a stillbirth...

Graham Norton says he thinks Irish people are funnier than our counterparts in the UK. He says he thinks your regular day-to-day Irish person is probably funnier than your average person in the UK. He says it’s down to our story telling. Andrea was joined by Comedian Jim Elliott and other listeners to discuss...

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes from Cook Book Author and Recipe writer Sarah Butler to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration! This week Andrea and Sarah chatted through recipes for two different soups to warm you up during the day.Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Drugs Minister Hildegarde Naughton said that those caught with a small amount of drugs should not end up in the criminal justice system. Cannabis is currently included in an adult caution scheme that has led to a drop in the number of people brought to court in recent years for possession.  The minister now wants to look at the approach to other, harder drugs – what do you think about this approach?  Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Martina, a listener got in touch because she wanted to talk about her experience growing up with a stutter...

Children as young as 10 demanding anti-ageing products – according to dermatologists. Fears are that children are being heavily influenced by trends on social media. Has your child expressed an interest in skin care? Andrea was joined by Jen Hogan, Columnist with The Irish Times, Jennifer Rock, The Skin Nerd and more to discuss...

Actor Andrew Scott has said in an interview this week that it is time to stop using the expression ‘openly gay’. Should we get rid of the term 'openly' gay? Andrea was joined by Labour Senator, Annie Hoey and others to discuss... 

Every day we scour the newspapers but often, many great stories from the regional papers don’t make the headlines.Newstalk's Breakfast Briefing presenter Shane Beatty has rounded up some of the best stories that you might have missed... 

Could putting a cap on commercial buildings help tackle the housing crisis?  An ERSI think-tank has suggested the construction industry would divert its focus to residential building if a limit was put on the number of commercial properties awarded planning permission each year. Should we say ‘no more’ to commercial buildings until more housing is developed?  Andrea was joined by Rory Hearne, Author of ‘Gaffs’ and associate Professor of Social Policy at Maynooth University, Andrea Horan, Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates, Adjunct Associate Professor of Architecture and Planning in UCD and more to discuss...

Greece has introduced a cap on the cost of baby formula. A 7% profit cap on formula will take effect in March and follows a series of similar initiatives over the past two years for basic items. Andrea was joined by Dr Liz O’Sullivan, lecturer in nutrition at the TU Dublin and member of Baby Feeding Law Group Ireland and other listeners to discuss...

Are cheaper energy prices on the way? Yuno has now joined SSE Airtricity and Pinergy in announcing two reductions in their tariffs in the past few months – so will other providers be forced to follow? Daragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie joined Andrea to answer listeners questions...

It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live... 

Have you been hit by probate issues when buying or selling a house? Solicitors are warning that home sales are falling through because grants of probate are taking up to 22 weeks. Andrea was joined by listeners and experts in the field to discuss...

Dublin is now the second slowest city in the world for drivers.  The average time to travel 10 kilmetres in Dublin is 29 minutes and 30 seconds.  Despite ranking second in terms of time spent travelling 10km, Dublin ranked first in terms of congestion – with the company’s analysis suggesting the city has a 66% congestion level. Andrea was joined by listeners and commuters to discuss...

New advice out today says that children and adults should take Vitamin D supplements every day til mid-March. We hear so much about different supplements and it’s hard to know which advice you should pay attention to, and what to ignore. Andrea was joined by Registered Dietician Orla Walsh to discuss...

We have made a new year’s resolution on the show this year to look on the brighter side of life.  Our new item Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy, will look at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.  As the cold snap continues, it's pretty gloomy outside and now more than ever we need a reason to be happy!   Newstalk’s own Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in studio to put a smile on your faces.... 

Have you attended a women’s sports event? Well if not, you’re not alone. New Research by LIDL and Red C show that almost 60% of Irish people have never attended a live women's sporting event in this country while almost half (46%) saying that men’s sport is generally better to watch. Andrea was joined by Alanna Cunnane, Sports journalist and listeners to discuss...

Pope Francis has called for a global ban on surrogacy, saying it’s "deplorable" and a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child. Andrea Gilligan was joined by Senator Mary Seery Kearney and others to discuss...  

How should we market Ireland abroad? From the 10 year anniversary of the wild Atlantic way to Ireland being the home of Halloween -Tourism Ireland are launching their plans to attract visitors to Ireland in 2024 – how do you think we should focus on?  Andrea was joined by Eugene Garrihy, Dublin Bay Cruises, Chris McCarthy, Manager of Achill Tourism and Senator Roisin Garvey to discuss...

A Dublin city centre laneway that is known for drug use, violence and anti-social behaviour is being shut to the public. Dublin city councillors voted to shut Harbour Court to the public because of the issues that they’ve been unable to control.  Andrea was joined by Sinn Féin Councillor for Dublin City, Janice Boylan, Former Lord Mayor and Dublin City Councillor, Hazel Chu and more to discuss...

Coming back after January, Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well.Anne Marie Boyhan, Holistic Sleep Expert, founder of the Sleep Care Company and Author of the 'Sleep Journal' joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today...

Two-year-old Joey from Tullamore has overcome more hurdles in his short life that many people encounter over 50 years. After being diagnosed with a rare condition, his family are now hoping to raise enough money to bring him to America for life changing surgery. Joey’s mother Natalie joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today...

Dr Nina Byrnes joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries...

A year ago we were contacted by Kate. Kate spoke to us about the issues she was having working in the HSE, which she said was rife with bullying. It kicked off a huge conversation that reached all corners of the country – people rang and emailed in their droves to tell us about their experiences. One year on, Andrea was joined by David Cullianne TD, Sinn Féin's Health Spokesperson and others who joined us last year to discuss...

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes from Cook Book Author and Recipe writer Sarah Butler to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration! This week Andrea and Sarah chatted through recipes for a Seedy Soda Bread and a Use Up Leftover Quiche.Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Would you like to see some land in parks in Dublin repurposed for housing? That is the suggestion from businessman Paschal Taggart who says that 10% of the capitals 4,500 acres of parks could be used to house up to 80,000 teachers, Gardaí, nurses and firefighters.  Would you be willing to sacrifice greenspace from parts of the Phoenix Park, Marlay Park, Malahide Castle, St Anne’s Park and others if it meant that we could provide housing for key workers?  Andrea was joined by Cllr Dermot Lacey, Labour Cllr for Pembroke on Dublin City Council, John Moran, Former Chair of the Land Development Agency, Hugh Wallace, Director of Douglas Wallace Architects and more to discuss...

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting background or working in different jobs.  Today on the show Andrea was joined by Sarah Morrissey, Fashion Model &  Former Miss Ireland...

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison on parole, more than a decade after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in in 2013.  He served nearly nine years of his 13 years and five months murder sentence for the shotting but will live under strict conditions until the remainder of his sentence expires in December 2029 Some of Pistorius’ parole conditions include restrictions on when he can leave his home, not being able to leave the district he is living in, a ban on consuming alcohol and being subjected to unannounced visits by authorities among others. What do you think about this approach to the justice system? Andrea was joined by Saoirse Brady, Executive Director, Irish Penal Reform Trust , Niall Spelman former prison Governor and John Cuffe, Criminologist, Former Prison Officer & Author...

If you’re feeling broke in January you’ll be glad to hear that there are some changes to wages and benefits that could make this year a little easier. Andrea was joined by Founder of Money Whizz Frank Conway to chat through the changes...

Every day we scour the newspapers but often, many great stories from the regional papers don’t make the headlines. Newstalk's Breakfast Briefing presenter Shane Beatty has rounded up some of the best stories that you might have missed... 

Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue, has said restaurants and food outlets need to cut down on the amount of food they put on consumers’ plates to reduce waste. According to the EPA food waste costs the average Irish household about €60 a month or €700 a year!  Are our restaurant portion sizes causing too much waste? Andrea was joined by chef and author, JP McMahon, Orla McAndrew Zero Waste Wedding and Event Caterer, Sarah Keogh, Dietician and more to discuss...

Shops like Lidl and Aldi are set to slash their prices over the coming weeks. Aldi said prices had dropped across a range of its products, with the price of a typical trolley set to fall by about a fifth. Lidl will lower the price of 100 products this week, having already reduced the cost of more than 600 since October. Stefanie Preissner was joined by Tim Cullinan IFA President, Damian O’Reilly, a Lecturer in retail management at TU Dublin, Louise Crowley, Full Time Dairy Farmer and Siobhan O'Neill White from Mams.ie to discuss...

We hear a lot in January about getting fit and exercising, but how easy is it really? It can be quite intimidating to go into a gym when you haven’t been in a few months and you don’t feel confident in what you’re doing. So what are the best ways around it? Paul Byrne, Director of Body Byrne Training joined Stefanie Preissner on the show today...

It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Stefanie Preissner on Lunchtime Live... 

Is the NCT fit for purpose? Figures show that nearly half of the 1.5 million cars failed the full NCT test in Ireland last year. What has your experience been with NCT tests? Stefanie Preissner was joined by Joey Donnelly, owner of Crofton Motors in Dublin and other listeners to discuss...

Introducing a new slot for Lunchtime Live – The Pod Squad. We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to. Andrea was joined by Laura Mullet, Journalist and Podcast Enthusiast and Shelly Grey Presenter for Today FM and 98 FM to talk about the podcast The Pact, a courtroom drama... 

From the most popular names in Ireland to the amount of EVs sold – the Central statistic office figures for 2023 were released today.Alex Rowley from the Newstalk news team joined Andrea to break down some of the main statistics...