Lunchtime Live

Planning permission issues in Ireland are a growing concern due to challenges in balancing urban development with environmental and regulatory restrictions. Delays, inconsistencies, and complex zoning rules often frustrate homeowners and developers.

Joining Andrea to discuss this is Martin Kelly, Planning Consultant and Martin Linnane, Farmer in Kinvara and more.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!

We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.

Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review the BBC’s ‘Hooligans’!

Image: BBC

US President Donald Trump has a detailed tariffs plan for multiple industries to be revealed on the 2nd of April. This could include pharmaceutical and the food/drinks industries. How worried should the people of Ireland be about this?

Joining Andrea to discuss is SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for the Private Sector Greg Ennis, Carrigaline Fine Gael Councillor Jack White, Sarah Grubb Cashel Farmhouse Cheese and more.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Jasmine Gerhardt, Miss Ireland and upcoming contestant in Miss World joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Today is National Daffodil Day; all around the country you’ll see people out today with buckets asking you to give generously for the Irish Cancer Society.

So, where does the money go?

Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

There has been a lot of talk about the hit show Adolescence recently.

It has brought a lot of conversations to the fore – especially about the ‘manosphere’, influencers like Andrew Tate and dissatisfaction among young men.

Joining Andrea to discuss toxic masculinity and men’s mental health is Human Potential Coach Ben Bidwell, Eimear Murphy from REIM Training Solutions, Chris Sherlock, Author, Mental Health Advocate and Anti-Bullying Campaigner as well as listeners.

Are you a football chanter?

What is it about chanting at a football game that you love so much? What joy does it bring out in you?

Apparently, over half of fans believe self-deprecating songs are a big part of football's fun.

Joining Andrea to discuss is Off the Ball’s Johnny Ward, Ciaran Bradley from Newstalk’s Digital Team and Maeve De Burca, former Ireland player and Pundit.

From loo of the year to takeaway troubles, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

British MP Andrew Rosindell has called for Ireland to rejoin the Commonwealth, arguing it could strengthen trade, diplomacy, and cultural ties. He believes membership would foster shared values of democracy and peace, offering Ireland new opportunities for global cooperation, despite the historical complexities between Ireland and the UK.

What do you think?

To discuss, Andrea is joined by Ray Bassett, former Senior Diplomat for Jamaica, Bahamas, Canada and Australia, as well as listeners.

If you don’t like the look of your radiator at home - no need to worry! The Home Squad are here to talk about what you can do to cover them up.

Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House to discuss.