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Lunchtime Live

Newstalk

Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com

CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment

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307 episodes
Avg 13 min
English

Episodes 307

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September 4 · 12 min
Ryanair special assistance issues - listener experience
Listener Ann Marie got in touch about an issue she had while traveling this week with Ryanair. She joins Andrea to discuss what happened…
September 4 · 11 min
Should we dramatise murder cases?
RTÉ has announced a new drama ‘Mr Moonlight’ based on the book by Irish Independent Special Correspondent Catherine Fegan. It begs the question: should we dramatise serious cases like this one? Joining Andrea to discuss is Frank Greaney, Newstalk Courts Correspondent and host of the ‘Inside the Crime’ podcast and Sam Blake, crime writer and Founder of the Murder One Festival.
September 4 · 12 min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.
September 4 · 18 min
How much parking should be expected with high-density housing?
Residents of the Montpelier development on the site of the former O’Devaney Gardens flats in Dublin are caught up in a parking dispute, with the development’s underground car park still inaccessible. As a result, residents are being forced to pay €3 an hour for parking, creating a significant ongoing expense… With high-density housing becoming increasingly common, is guaranteed parking something residents should reasonably expect? Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO of Ray Cooke Auctioneers Ray Cooke, Fine Fáil Cllr & Chair of the Dublin Central Area Committee John Stephens, as well as listeners.
September 3 · 11 min
The Home Squad: Home Office Design
Do you want to set up your own home office or study? What is the best way to go about it, and what should you be aware of? This week, the Home Squad are here to give tips on making the perfect home office! Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Jenny Butler, Interior Architect & Design Director of Jennifer Anne Interior.
September 3 · 9 min
The biggest slang words in Ireland - do you know any of them?
Do you know what ‘67’, ‘Rizz’ and ‘Maxxing’ mean? No? Well, you’re not alone! Google search data for 2026 reveals the most searched slang words in Ireland. Katie Gallagher from Spin and Dr. Gail Flanagan, Communication and Linguistics Lecturer in the University of Limerick join to discuss!
September 3 · 17 min
What is lipoedema and its impact?
Lipoedema affects many women, yet it is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, leaving them living with pain and uncertainty for years… Andrea is joined by three women who have experienced lipoedema firsthand to discuss their journeys, the challenges of accessing treatment, and why they chose to travel abroad for surgery, a decision that has helped them reduce their pain and regain their quality of life.
September 3 · 15 min
How does school refusal affect children?
Yesterday on the show, Andrea spoke about school refusal and the reality that many children, parents and families face every September… But, what exactly is school refusal, and why can it have such a profound impact on the whole family? What does it look like in everyday life, and what support is available to families who are struggling with it? Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO of Neurodiversity Ireland, Nessa Hill and Children’s Feeding Therapist and Chef from Fussy Eating Kids, Louise Lennox.
September 3 · 12 min
The Making of Britney Spears!
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 Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the life and work of Britney Spears!
September 3 · 14 min
Public transport fares to increase by 15% - how are you impacted?
The National Transport Authority has today announced price hikes on buses and trains. Fares are to increase by about 15 per cent, and we will see the 90 minute fare of €2 rise to €2.30… How do you feel about this increase? Joining Andrea to discuss is Peter O'Neill, Secretary of the Galway Commuters Coalition, as well as listeners.
September 2 · 11 min
School refusal: why are children experiencing this?
With the school term back in full swing, many children are excited to see their friends and return to routine, but for some families, the return to school can bring anxiety, fear and school refusal. How can parents support children who are struggling? Should we listen to their fears and give them time, or can staying home make returning even harder? School refusal is often a sign that something deeper is going on, whether it’s anxiety, friendships, bullying, academic pressure or feeling overwhelmed… Have you experienced school refusal as a parent? What helped your child, and what advice would you give to other families going through it? Joining Andrea to discuss is Neurodevelopmental Therapist and Founder of CogniClinic.ie, Ollwyn Moran and listeners.
September 2 · 8 min
Reasons to be Happy: September, Teeth, Jack White
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…
September 2 · 23 min
Should pets be allowed on public transport?
Following an NTA consultation, dogs, cats and other pets are expected to be allowed greater access to bus, trains and trams… Is that good news for you? Should pets be allowed on public transport? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.
September 2 · 10 min
Making Babies: Twins & Multiple Pregnancies
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies. Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, 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 twins and multiple pregnancies!
September 2 · 15 min
What makes Slane Castle so special?
Fontaines D.C. have announced a second night at Slane Castle next summer. How big is this for the band, and what makes a venue like Slane so special? Danny McElhinney, Music Journalist with the Irish Mail on Sunday, joins Andrea to discuss.
September 2 · 18 min
Are car parks becoming prohibitively expensive?
From today, Cork city car parking fees will rise by up to 30%. This impacts two multi-storey city-centre carparks; North Main Street and Paul Street. Are car parks not expensive enough already? Andrea is joined by Joe O'Shea, Editor of Corkbeo.ie and listeners to discuss.
September 1 · 11 min
Ask the Expert: Health Insurance Questions
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dermot Goode, Health Insurance Expert with totalhealthcover.ie to answer any of your health insurance questions!
September 1 · 10 min
Can you make lifelong friends through work?
Are you friends with your colleagues? And over the years have you formed lifelong friendships through work? According to research, women are more likely to make better friends at work than their male counterparts so just why is that... and do you have a work best friend and just how important is it? Joining Andrea to discuss is Career psychologist, founder of The Career Psychologist and author of the bestselling book 'Total Reset' Sinead Brady and 98FM Producer Russell Alford.
September 1 · 20 min
Should the driving test include motorway competence?
Should the Irish driving test be revamped to include motorway competence? Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Sean Canney believes that the test should be changed to fully reflect the road network. Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.
September 1 · 9 min
Are gym memberships too expensive?
How much do you pay for your gym membership? And how much is a yoga or pilates class setting you back every week? Do you think they have become too expensive? Joining Andrea to discuss is Louise Hayden, Head Coach and co-owner of Hup Fitness and Darina Dunne, Chairperson of the Irish Physical Activity Alliance.

Showing 201–220 of 307 episodes