Lunchtime Live

The Irish Hotels Federation has said it’s members are reporting a large increase in inquiries from people looking for pet-friendly accommodation.

People are no longer willing to pay for the kennel or ask their relatives – so they are bringing their pooches with them! And in response to the demand, many hotels around the country have stepped up their doggy offerings.

Andrea Gilligan was joined by callers to discuss if Ireland is dog friendly enough...

Weather presenter, Evelyn Cusack, announced she is retiring today after 42 years at Met Éireann.

Andrea was joined by Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather to chat how obsessed Irish people are with talking about the weather.

Ireland saw one of the biggest increases in the number of adults living with their parents. Between 2010 and 2019 the number of 25–34-year-olds living with their parents increased by 6% between 2010 and 2019, according to figures released today by EU agency Eurofound .

The study coincides with the publication of census findings that show a drop in overall homeownership of 4% between 2011 and 2022.

Andrea spoke to callers about their experience being adults living at home and parents who have their adult children living at home.

A naturist in the UK, Helen Berriman, has caused a stir on social media after appearing naked on Good Morning Britain.

Currently, Irish law says being naked in itself is not illegal. In order for an offence to be committed the person exposing themselves must intend to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person.

Should nude bathing be made illegal? Would you ever bare all when going for a dip?

Andrea was joined by members of the Irish Naturist Association and callers to discuss if we should embrace nude beaches in Ireland.

Road rage – is it something you have ever been on the tail end of?

Two thirds of Irish motorists have experienced aggressive behaviour on the roads – a new survey has revealed.

29% of motorists have experienced verbal abuse, whilst 3.6% - 32 of those surveyed - said that they have been physically abused on the roads.

Is this common on our roads? Or have you had a bad experience of this happen to you? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Tech industry leaders have issued a stark warning about the threat of Artificial Intelligence saying it could lead to the extinction of humanity. Recently, ChatGPT has been used to complete assignments, the controversial use of AI to create art and music.

In the jobs market it is claimed that the use of AI could be as transformative as the Industrial Revolution - a recent report by investment bank Goldman Sachs says that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs.

Are you worried about the rise of AI? Andrea was joined by listeners and professionals to discuss…

The Census 2022 findings have been released today.

It is the first time in 171 years that Ireland's population exceeded the five million threshold. There were 5,149,139 people in the State as of last April 2022, an 8% increase since 2016.

There were more interesting findings from religion, working from home, commuting and home ownership!

Andrea was joined by Newstalk’s Sean O’Regan, Father Paddy Byrne, Parish priest in Abbeyleix and Raheen in County Laois, Feljin José, Chairperson of Dublin Commuter Coalition and many more to discuss.

Love Island is set to return to our screens on Monday.

Andrea was joined by Orlaith Condon the host of the 'My Pod on Paper' podcast and listener Ben to discuss if reality TV shows like this have a role in our society.

Are shows like this damaging for young viewers or do they open up conversations that we otherwise wouldn’t have?

St. Vincent de Paul has published new report today which found that 87% of parents cut back or delay spending in order to pay school voluntary contributions.

The study polled 1,447 parents, who had made voluntary contributions to schools ranging between €30 to €550.

Is there a pressure to pay voluntary contribution in schools?

Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss their experience with paying the voluntary contribution.

Andrea was joined by Frances to discuss mental health and the importance of checking in on young people.

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues discussed, there is help available at www.samaritans.ie or www.pieta.ie