Highlights from Newstalk Breakfast

The number of vacant properties is down but how do we keep the momentum going? The number of vacant and derelict properties is continuing to drop across the country,  according to a new report by GeoDirectory. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Marian Finnegan, Managing Director of Sherry Fitzgerald.

Storm Jocelyn is set to cause yet more chaos in the country when it hits later this evening. We askJoanna Donnelly  Meteorologist with Met Eireann how bad is it going to be?

Many of us are counting down the days until the first pay-cheque of the year, and if you’re in the same boat - some good news! Rather than charging fees for streaming services, audiobooks or e-learning - there’s an outlet that offers all of this and more for free!   Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly brings us all the details.

The number of dogs being surrendered is on the rise, as the cost-of-living is forcing pet owners to make some tough decisions. Those working in animal rescue are appealing to people to think long and hard before purchasing a pet and to always adopt, instead of buying. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie has been meeting with those caring for animals to hear how inflation is affecting pet-owners:

Ian Bailey, who became the chief suspect for the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, died suddenly yesterday in west County Cork.  Speaking to Shane this morning was Nick Foster is a Journalist and author of ‘Murder at Roaringwater’ and also Frank Buttimer who was Ian Bailey’s solicitor.

Clean-up efforts are to get underway this morning after Storm Isha swept through the country.  We spoke to Keith Leonard is Director of fire and emergency management at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.   What can we expect in terms of flights? We heard from Graeme McQueen, Media relations Manager with the DAA with an update.

The Taoiseach was wrong to claim the rules are enforced in our immigration system.  So says Michael McNamara, Independent TD for Clare who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended his campaign for President, as the race for the Republican nomination looks set for an early conclusion.   David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief of The Guardian brought us the latest on this.

Householders are urged to make ‘recycling of household electrical waste’ a new year’s resolution under a new awareness campaign launched today by the government.   Speaking to Ciara this morning was Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy.

Clean-up efforts are to get underway this morning after Storm Isha swept through the country.  We spoke to Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather and ask how severe were yesterday’s winds?   Also for an update on the power outages across the country was Brian Tapley is a Regional Manager, ESB Network .