Newstalk Breakfast

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.

Ireland's warm, sunny spell is set to continue this week, but it has fallen just short of matching the country's longest-ever recorded heatwave.   So what’s in store this week? To tell us was Alan O Reilly of Carlow Weather. 

Christopher Nolan’s movie ‘The Odyssey’ is released today. The film, based on the Greek epic, has received great reviews across the board and is expected to be movie lovers’ highlight of the year  Joining Jonathan now to discuss how it was made, and how important it will be is Bethany Minelle, an Arts and Entertainment Reporter with Sky.

E-scooter risks have dominated conversation this week, after Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “leaning towards” a complete ban. Also withTánaiste Simon Harris said that he would keep an “open mind” on an outright ban on e-scooters.  But is an outright ban our only option left?  To discuss further with Jonathan was Shane O’Donoghue, Editor of Completecar.ie and Sadhbh O’Neill.

Yesterday Aer Lingus announced that up to five hundred jobs could be cut at the airline. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction to this news was Terry Gill is the SIPTU Organiser for the Aviation Sector at Dublin Airport.

According to figures released by the Department of Social Proetction to Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín. There are nearly 6500 people on Jobseeker’s Allowance for a decade or more. This has cost an estimated €800m to the Irish taxpayer. How long is too long to spend on the dole? We get reaction to these figures with Peadar Tóibín.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Chris Luke, Columnist, Host of The Irish Medical Lives Podcast and Retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine.

Andy Burnham is set to be crowned Labour leader after securing backing from the majority of the party’s MPs and trade unions. The former Greater Manchester Mayor expected to become Prime Minister next week.  Speaking to Jonathan was Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times .    

Aer Lingus has said that up to 500 jobs could be cut at the airline due to a planned 6% reduction in its flight capacity. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was Global aviation and tourism adviser Anita Mendiratta.

U.S. President Donald Trump in a prime time address last night in which he announced the release of unclassified files claiming significant election interference by China in the 2020 election  Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief of The Guardian.

IBEC's Economic Outlook reports that the impact of AI on the labour market is still not clear. But early signs show significant effects on trade and investment. It also suggests domestic demand growth of 3.3% for 2026, while inflation is expected to land around 3.5% for the year.  Joe Lynam discusses this further with Gerard Brady, Chief Economist and Head of National Policy of IBEC. 

New research suggest that Gen Z women are leaving the handbags at home for nights out. Instead putting their phones and IDs in their bras.  We get reaction from Cathy O’Connor, a stylist and the founder of Women Unbranded.