Newstalk Breakfast

Ryanair have called on Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to lift the funding cap on Ireland’s Regional Airports.  Under the Regional Airports Programme airports with a million or less passengers qualify for government funding, however Ryanair wants this doubled and says the cap punishes airports for “for growing tourism and delivering economic benefit to the regions”.  This morning speaking...

Ciara was joined by Professor Annie Curtis of the Royal College of Surgeons, who discussed the science behind why teens find it hard to get out of bed.

Ciara spoke with Donnchadh O’Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD and party spokesperson for Social Protection, about the reduction in the number of Gardaí assigned to the Garda National Immigration Bureau. O’Laoghaire argued that this reduction reinforces the government’s failure to ensure deportation orders are enforced.

Shane was joined by Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor with the Irish Times, who outlined the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan set to begin next month despite opposition from some city business interests. Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, also provided her reaction to the plan and its implications for commuters.

Shane was joined by Eoin Sheehan from Off the Ball to discuss the latest Newstalk/Amárach survey, which found that Gaelic football is Ireland’s favorite sport, followed by hurling, soccer, and rugby. They explored what makes Gaelic football so beloved by the nation.

Ciara interviewed Aoife O’Sullivan, who shared her journey of becoming a proud “solo mum by choice” after reaching her 40s without meeting the right partner. She discussed her decision to go down the sperm donor route and her experiences as a solo mother.

Shane was joined by Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the Road Safety Authority. They discussed the RSA’s new "Time to Talk" TV ad, launched to address the rising number of fatalities on Irish roads.

Ciara was joined by Media Minister Catherine Martin, who rejected claims that the Government has handed a "blank cheque" to RTÉ as part of its multi-annual funding plan.

Shane was joined by Ronan Keating, Patron of the Marie Keating Foundation, to talk about the 2024 Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic sponsored by Skechers, taking place today at the South Palmer Course at the K-Club.

Ciara was joined by Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists, to discuss whether getting manicures, from gel to acrylics, poses health risks and damages natural nails.

Shane was joined by Megan Virgo, freelance travel writer for the Irish Daily Mail, to discuss whether holidaying in Ireland has become prohibitively expensive and if finding good value accommodation is next to impossible.

Ciara was joined by Niall Conroy, Acting Chief Economist at the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, to discuss the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council's warning about the reputational risks for Ireland due to persistent deficits in energy and water.

Shane was joined by Alan Milton, Director of Communications with the GAA, to revisit the discussion about whether cheering during the final moments of Amhrán na bhFiann at sports matches is disrespectful.

Ciara was joined by People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy to discuss his Paid Parental Leave Bill and the upcoming press conference.

Ciara was joined by Claire McManus, Director of JFOC Architects and Housing Spokesperson for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, to discuss the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council's report proposing the conversion of vacant office spaces into homes amidst a 14.3% national vacancy rate.

Shane was joined by Sunday Independent Columnist David Quinn to discuss his tweet about the instant demonisation of JD Vance and the canonisation of Kamala Harris, highlighting the mentality that Democrats are good and Republicans are bad.

Ciara was joined by Erica Tierney, Patient Ambassador for the Irish Cancer Society's Leave Our Leave campaign, to discuss new legislation allowing women to defer their maternity leave for up to 52 weeks in cases of serious physical or mental illness.

Shane was joined by Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, to discuss the importance of children freely playing outdoors. They talked about how adults can sometimes hamper children's sense of adventure and the benefits of outdoor play for child development.

Ciara was joined by Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor with The Irish Independent, to discuss the plans for €725 million in public funding for RTE.

Shane was joined by Fianna Fail Senator Mary Fitzpatrick and Tony Gallagher, Former Inspector and now Risk Security & Event Manager with Ashtree Risk Group, to discuss the recent meeting between Fianna Fail and Assistant Garda Commissioner Angela Willis on antisocial behaviour and crime in Dublin.

Ciara was joined by Brian Caulfield, Professor at the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss the potential introduction of congestion charges. The Department of Finance suggested that congestion charges would be more efficient and equitable in achieving environmental goals compared to a car parking levy.

Shane was joined by Dr. Denise O’Dwyer, Principal Psychologist with the National Learning Network, to explore the significant rise in students unable to return to school or college since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ciara was joined by Dr. Suzi Lyons, Senior Researcher at the Health Research Board, to discuss the alarming 10% increase in people being treated for problem alcohol use in 2023.

Shane was joined by Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with The Irish Independent and Host of the Home Show on Newstalk, to discuss the upcoming Access to Cash Bill. Minister for Finance Jack Chambers sought Cabinet approval to publish this bill, aiming to secure access to cash for all citizens.

Shane was joined by Gary O’Hanlon, executive chef at the K Club, to discuss his culinary journey.