Newstalk Breakfast

New figures from Geo Directory show more than 30,000 homes are now under construction across Ireland. While house prices continue to rise despite increased building activity.  CEO of Geo Directory Dara Keogh explained the findings of the report.

Criminal defence solicitors across Ireland are withdrawing their services in the District, Circuit and Central Criminal Courts today and tomorrow . This is happening over a dispute over changes to the legal aid payment system introduced by the Justice Minister.  Joining Jonathan to discuss was s Tony Collier a Partner at Ferrys Solicitor. 

Uisce Éireann have announced this morning that a hosepipe ban on six counties until the end of August has been extended nationwide. This is because pressure on water supplies continues.  Lecturer in Public Procurement at DCU, Paul Davies explained why the restrictions are necessary. 

Before the Seanad rose for the Summer, Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher drew attention to recent NTA figures showing that 23 counties have seen a decline in taxi numbers. This is while facing population increases. How a decline in taxi numbers affecting the economy? Robbie Gallagher spoke to Jonathan this morning.

Did you wake up beside your furry friend this morning? And if so, is it actually hygienic to have your pet in bed with you? Jonathan asked Dr Jacqueline Boyd who is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science and Nottingham Trent University.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Sinead O Carroll, Editor, The Journal.

Experts are warning that the price of petrol and diesel is set to shoot up once again after the latest jump in crude oil costs.  We get reaction from Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association .  

Uisce Éireann is extending its Water Conservation Order nationwide from Friday. As hot, dry weather continues to put pressure on water supplies. Jonathan spoke to the Regional Water Operations Manager (Southwest region), Brian O Leary .  

Football legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75. The former Liverpool star, two-time Ballon d'Or winner and England manager is being remembered as one of the game's greatest figures.  Paying tribute was former Liverpool footballer and England captain, Phil Thompson.

Plans for an alternative access route to the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk could cost more than €350,000. Work could take up to four years to complete, according to engineering records released under the Freedom of Information Act.    We discussed further with Eugene Finnegan, Bray Business Area Representative on the Management Committee of the Cliff Walk. 

Insurance Ireland are launching their pre-budget submission today. They are calling for the Government to increase the cap on tax relief for Private Health Insurance from €1,000 to €1,500.  Ahead of the launch today Jonathan spoke to Moyagh Murdock, the Chief Executive of Insurance Ireland. 

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 has been signed into law. It will seek to speed up housing delivery and streamline the judicial review process.  James Browne Minister for Housing and Fianna Fáil TD for Wexford  discussed this further with Jonathan.

Yesterday the Government agreed to ban e-scooters for anyone under 18. Reports are emerging this morning that they will now consider making hi-vis vests and helmets mandatory for regular cyclists, which has angered some cycling interest groups  We get reaction to this with Ray Cunningham, Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party representing  Ballyfermot Drimnagh.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Deirdre O’Shaughnassy, Presenter of the Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast, Irish Examiner .   

A man has been charged with the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. We get the latest on this with Reporter and Presenter with LBC Radio London, Henry Riley. 

Now as Ireland settles into its term of the EU Presidency. Road closures and access restrictions in Dublin City Centre around Dublin Castle mean that many businesses aren’t receiving the same footfall.  Speaking to Jonathan was Owner of Silk Road Cafe, Abraham Phelan.

Andy Burnham has wasted no time as Britain's new Prime Minister. Sacking senior Ministers in a major cabinet reshuffle and outlining his priorities for government.  Jonathan spoke to Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer, James Lyons. 

Users of WhatsApp may have noticed in recent days a prompt appearing within the app to register a username. This is a new feature that could replace phone numbers. Or be yet another gateway for scammers.  Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly explains all.

Andrew and Tristan Tate have been arrested in the US on a UK extradition request over new rape and sex trafficking charges. The brothers deny all allegations and remain involved in separate legal proceedings in Romania  We get the latest on this with London based Journalist and Broadcaster, Enda Brady. 

Minister Jack Chambers says the Government plans to fast-track major infrastructure projects. This would be done through new critical infrastructure legislation that would reduce planning delays and narrow climate-related grounds for legal challenges.  Speaking to Jonathan this morning was one of the Directors of Friends of the Irish Environment, Tony Lowes and President of the Irish Planning...

The leaders of Ireland’s political parties will meet Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly to discuss an outright ban on e-scooters.  It comes as Amazon and other major retailers have begun pulling illegally fast e-scooters from sale in Ireland. Speaking to Jonathan was Niall Hodgins, President of the Garda Representative Association. 

Is it okay to have a favourite child or should it always stay unsaid? Speaking to Jonathan was Psychotherapist specialising in Parenting Support, Bethan O Riordan.  

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was  Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor, Irish Independent. 

In between victory for Spain and sorrow for Argentina last night, we saw the World Cup’s first ever half-time show, featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber and the Muppets among many other music stars.  But did the half-time show deliver, or should the World Cup leave such entertainment to the Super Bowl? Dave Fanning, Broadcaster and music journalist gave his reaction to the show. 

Three people have been taken to hospital after a car was driven into a group several times in Skerries in north Dublin. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody.  Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator in Skerries and Conor Lally, Irish Times Crime and Security Editor.