It is now 21 years since London brought in its Congestion Charge. While the notion has proved controversial as an option for Dublin, one commentator in the UK believes that it is time for Irish politicians to be brave and take the plunge.  Stefanie Preissner was joined by Christian Wolmar, Broadcaster and Journalist specialising in transport, who has been writing about this in today’s Irish Independent... 

Does Dublin need a congestion charge?

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It has been a week of controversy in the world of art with King Charles III’s new official portrait, stirring some conversation with many claiming it looks ‘hellish’. Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart’s portrait has also sparked debates as she has demanded her portrait be removed from the National Gallery of Australia.   Joining Seán to discuss what makes a good portrait is Kathleen James-Chakraborty, Professor of Art History University College Dublin.   Image: Jonathan Yeo

What makes a good portrait?

Ireland, Norway and Spain have all announced plans to recognise a state of Palestine. But, what is recognizing a state? And how does it work?  Scott Lucas is a Professor at the Clinton Institute in University College Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss the process.

How does recognising a state work?

Two new roller coasters have just opened in Ireland, promising to thrill and amaze—but do they deliver the excitement that coaster enthusiasts crave? We turned to the experts to find out if these rides are worth the hype. Joining Seán to discuss is Richard Bannister, who is on the Executive Committee of the European Coaster Club.   Image: Emerald Park

Are Ireland’s new roller coasters worth riding?

A furore has developed stateside after OpenAI launched a new iteration of ChatGPT which uses voice technology that seems to resemble that of Scarlett Johansson, in an odd throwback to the 2013 movie ‘Her’.  Joining Seán to unpack this legal quagmire is Ciara O’Brien, Tech correspondent for the Irish Times…  Image: Open AI

Scarlett Johansson & ChatGPT voice legal troubles

As part of the airport’s expansion plans, two original aircraft hangars from the 1940s and the iconic North Terminal, which was used for many VIPs and Heads of State, will have to be levelled.   Frank McDonald, former Environment Editor of The Irish Times says this shouldn’t happen as these are important elements of our architectural heritage. He joins Seán to discuss.

Does Dublin need a congestion charge?

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