Lunchtime Live

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, alongside the National Transport Authority, has announced that contactless ticketing on public transport will come into effect in 2028.

This will allow passengers to pay using bank cards, phones and other smart devices, yet we are one of the last major European cities to introduce the technology.

Joining Andrea to discuss this is Feljin Jose, Spokesperson for Transport for the Green Party, CEO of the National Transport Authority, Anne Shaw and more.

As Ireland gear up for their World Cup qualifiers this March, excitement is building among supporters eager to back the team in green. That enthusiasm, however, may be tested by the price of the newly released Ireland jersey, which goes on sale today.

Fans looking to kit themselves out will have to dig deep. The adult jersey costs €145 for the player-fit version, while the regular fit is priced at €105. The women’s jersey also comes in at €105, and the children’s jersey will cost a steep €85.

So, is this simply the price of supporting your national team in modern football, or are fans being priced out while the team’s success is being capitalised on?

Andrea is joined by Freelance Sports Journalist Daniel Hussey, as well as listeners, to discuss.

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 Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through The Saw Doctors’ ‘If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back’!

There have been several calls over the past few months about removing counselling notes from victims of sexual assault and rape from trials and court cases.

Paula Doyle is a rape survivor and activist who has been protesting around Dublin in aid of this. She joins Andrea to discuss.

Helplines:

DRCC.ie

National 24-Hour Helpline - 1 800 77 8888

It seems that every day, when we look at social media, a new person is emigrating. Typically, they’re heading off to Australia, Canada or America, with thousands of Irish people now calling those countries home. Something we see less often is people heading off to places like China, but that’s not to say there’s no Irish community out there.

Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan has taken a trip to China, and she’s spoken to some of the Irish people living there to see what life is like for them.

Commuting in Ireland is no longer working.

That’s the claim from the Labour party today as they say the country is in crisis.

Are they right?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Kildare South TD Mark Wall, Jamie Groom, CEO and Co-Founder of Rent a Recruiter and more.

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…

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has reiterated his position that his airline will not be purchased by Elon Musk - after the X owner continued to say he would on social media.

What do you think? Should Elon Musk be allowed to buy Ryanair?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Travel Extra.ie, Eoghan Corry, as well as listeners.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.

Andrea will be joined by a professional 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, as a special treat, Andrea is joined by Assistant Director of Midwifery and Nursing for the National Maternity Hospital, Teresa McCreery, to discuss and answer any questions you might have on midwifery.

Tradfest kicks off today!

It’s a celebration of Irish music and culture that runs until Sunday.

To celebrate and discuss, Andrea is joined by Shay Casserley, who’s part of the festival…