This Week

This Week - 30 August 2026

A look at events making the news in the past week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iceland rejects EU membership in referendum

The ballots have been counted and the verdict is in: Iceland will not resume EU membership negotiations with Brussels. Paul was joined from Reykjavík by RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

750 dead in Nepal-Tibet flash floods

The death toll in Nepal and Tibet from last week's catastrophic floods has left 750 dead with 3,044 missing, authorities there have said. The monsoon weather continues to hamper rescue efforts. Paul was joined from Nepal by RTÉ reporter Kate Varley and in studio by Mahesh Kushwaha, a Nepalese PhD candidate in DCU, who has just returned to Dublin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No independent Gaelcholáiste in seven counties ahead of new school year

It's back to school time, but many Irish-medium post-primary schools are over-subscribed, and there are no independent Gaelcholáiste in Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Cavan, Leitrim, Louth and Roscommon. Paul was joined from Dundalk by Aidan Kinsella, a spokesperson for the campaign group IMEASC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

United Ireland referendum 'off the table' - Burnham

On his first official visit to Northern Ireland since becoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham told journalists that a referendum on a united Ireland is "off the table." For an assessment of Mr Burnham comment, Paul was joined by Deirdre Heenan, Professor of Social Policy at the Ulster University See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UEFA considers criminal complaint against Infantino

The future of FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains in doubt this weekend as UEFA considers criminal proceedings against Infantino - and potentially other FIFA officials - over the abandoned plan to sell-off a stake in the World Cup. Paul was joined by football finance journalist Dave Powell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The proud history of the Baltimore rocket car

In the 19th century, the "rocket car" was rolled out across Ireland so that shipwrecked sailors could be brought safely to land on a pulley system known as ‘breeches buoy’. Few cars survive after a general decommissioning in the 1980s, but the rocket of Baltimore in west Cork has not just survived but thrives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week - 23 August 2026

A look at events making the news in the past week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oberstown Director calls for early intervention to tackle youth offending

After the recent crash on the M9 there has been huge scrutiny on young people who are engaging in crimes and the devastation it causes. Meanwhile staffing levels at youth detention centres are regularly too low to ensure safe detention conditions. Karen was joined by Damien Hernon, Director of Oberstown Children Detention Campus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planned increases in excise duty will not go ahead - Government

On Friday the government confirmed that the planned phasing out of excise cuts on fuel will be halted, and that it will agree the next steps this coming week, when the Dáil will be recalled for one day. Karen spoke to The Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke and Emma Howard, Economics Lecturer at TU Dublin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EU countries, UK call on Israel to halt West Bank settlement project

Ireland is among several countries calling for a stronger international response against Israel, following the publication of a tender to construct 1,200 illegal housing units in occupied Palestine. Karen spoke to Channel 4's foreign correspondent Secundar Kermani. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 16 killed in Russian drone strikes on Ukraine

Ukraine will mark its independence from the Soviet Union tomorrow, the fifth Independence Day since Russia's invasion began in February 2022. The surge in attacks on Ukraine have pushed civilian deaths in the war to their highest since the first months of the war. Karen spoke to journalist Emmanuelle Chaze, who is in Kyiv. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran denounces new US sanctions as Hormuz trade stalls

Iran has condemned plans by the U.S. to announce new sanctions that could put further strain on the Islamic Republic. Earlier this week the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged US allies to support Washington's efforts to "squash" the Iranian economy and collapse the regime. Karen spoke to BBC's Middle East Correspondent Sebastian Usher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Number of deaths after crash involving car driving on wrong side of M9

Several people are dead after a head-on collision involving a car driving on the wrong side of the M9 motorway in County Kildare. The crash happened at Moone on the M9 Northbound lane at Junction 3 at around 3am this morning. RTÉ reporter Eleanor Burnhill was at the scene for us this lunchtime, and told Justin what she saw. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate O'Connor wins European heptathlon gold in Birmingham

The medals gleamed, the records fell, and dreams long chased were finally caught. From the roar of the track to the waters of the pool, this was a week of Irish sporting brilliance. Justin was delighted to be joined on the line from Birmingham by European Champion Kate O'Connor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sexual Violence Centre calls for new legislation to tackle spiking

Sexual violence campaigners have said the spiking of drinks - giving someone drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or consent - is far more widespread than official figures suggest, and they've called for stronger measures to tackle it. RTÉ reporter Karen Creed has been looking at the scale of the problem, and told Justin of her findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Galway's Cathal Murray: All-Ireland winners shouldn't need to raise money for holiday

In the aftermath of the All Ireland Camogie Final last week the Galway Manager Cathal Murray urged the president of the Camogie Association to create a fund to help All Ireland finalists pay for a team holiday. Justin was joined by Brian Molloy, the President of the Camogie Association. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full schools causing children to miss out on school transport scheme

Some children are being denied a place on the Government's school transport scheme because they are not attending the nearest school, often because the school itself is full. Justin was joined by RTÉ reporter Sally-Ann Barrett and the Minister of state in charge of school transport Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Michael Moynihan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week - 16 August 2026

A look at events making the news in the past week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tullamore Show celebrates its 35th year

Tens of thousands of people are flocking today to the Tullamore Show near Bluebell County Offaly as the agricultural showcase celebrates its 35th year. The packed programme of events features livestock competitions, trade exhibitions and family entertainment. RTÉ Agriculture Correspondent Aengus Cox joined us for a preview. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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