Morning Mix with Alan Corcoran

Frances Byrne, Director of Policy with Early Childhood Ireland, joins the show to discuss the rising Early Years waiting lists in Wexford. She outlines the challenges families face, the need for government investment in the Early Years workforce, and why improving pay and conditions for educators is key to expanding access for children.

Conor Horgan from IBAL joins the show ahead of the Big Beach Clean Up from 19th to 21st September. He discusses the findings of this year’s coastal litter survey, how Ireland’s beaches are faring, and practical ways the public can help protect and maintain our coastline.

Sinn Féin enterprise spokesperson Rose Conway-Walsh joins the show to discuss urgent action on tariffs affecting Irish businesses, the ongoing housing crisis and the challenges facing young people and workers. She also touches on her party’s approach to the presidency and constitutional change, offering insights into her priorities and vision for Ireland’s future.

Sheena Groome, Communications Officer for the Adult Education Teachers’ Organisation, joins us to discuss the ongoing dispute affecting adult education in Ireland and the planned protest happening tomorrow, 27th August. She explains the issues at stake for educators and learners, and why action is being taken now.

We’re joined by 21-year-old singer-songwriter Alex Szwarc from Wexford Town. Currently studying music at the University of Limerick, Alex is making a name for himself with his original songs and performs live on the show, sharing his passion and talent with listeners.

Vicky Barron, principal at CBS, joins us to discuss the ongoing strike action by school secretaries and caretakers across Ireland. She explains the issues behind the industrial action, including government guidance that seems to contradict the established rules for union members, and the impact on schools and students.

James O’Keeffe, Chair of the Adult Education Teachers Organisation, joins us to discuss the upcoming protest march on 27th August. He explains the concerns around job security and the new Adult Educator contract, and what the teachers hope to achieve through their demonstration.

In this episode, we speak with Professor Ronan Lyons from Trinity College Dublin, author of Daft.ie’s rental reports. Ronan breaks down the latest figures on Ireland’s rental market, explaining the factors driving rent increases and what it means for tenants and the housing market overall.

Writer and storyteller Alison Ní Mháirtín joins us to share Lá ar an Trá, her new bilingual audio story inspired by the favourite Irish words of Wexford children. She also chats about her summer workshops, where drama, writing, and storytelling blended together to spark creativity and fun.

Wexford’s own Niamh O’Dowd joins us fresh off the news that she’s been named in Ireland’s squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. She shares her journey from taking up rugby “for the craic” at UCD to becoming Ireland’s loosehead prop, her dramatic switch from the back row to the front row, and the pride she feels representing her home community on the world stage.