Lunchtime Live

The number of people in prison in Ireland has reached 5,000 for the first time ever. The Irish Penal Reform Trust say that these numbers show that “the Government’s approach to relieving the pressures on the bulging prison system is clearly failing”. So, what is the solution?  To discuss, Andrea is joined by former Mountjoy Governor, John Lonergan, former Assistant Governor, Niall Spelman and...

If you’re like Andrea Gilligan, you might be going to Glastonbury for the first time this year! It might seem overwhelming, since it’s on a much larger scale than Electric Picnic, but there’s no need to worry… To give her (and you!) some advice, Andrea is joined by Lunchtime Live Producer Dee King and Today FM Producer, and professional festival-goer, Eimear Shannon. Photo: Anna Barclay

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic. Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Dublin is going to be very busy this weekend. There’s Taylor Swift playing three sold out nights in the Aviva Stadium, Longitude in Marlay Park, Shania Twain is at Malahide Castle on Friday and the Saw Doctors are at Fairview Park on Saturday. You also have the GAA Senior football Championship and the Dublin Pride Parade. All of which will bring around 600,000 people into the capital over the week...

Welcome to The Pod Squad!  We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to.  This week Andrea is joined by Broadcaster Meghann Scully and Limerick personality and Mental Health Advocate Jen Ronan to review ‘To Catch a Scorpion’! Image: BBC

Lunchtime Live, as part of Newstalk’s Summer Tour, is live from Limerick!  Andrea is joined by two of the county’s community pillars: Richard Lynch, founder of I Love Limerick and Celia Holan Lee, founder of the Holman Lee Agency to discuss what makes Limerick great. Andrea was also out on the Limerick Greenway and met Ann Madigan, General Manager of the Rathkeale House hotel to discuss.

Natasha O’Brien joined Andrea Gilligan in Limerick to discuss her assaulter Cathal Crotty walking free with a suspended sentence - and to give her reactions to the protests surrounding her case. Cathal Crotty, a serving member of the Irish Defence Force, attacked O’Brien unprovoked on O’Connell street in Limerick, which left her unconscious.

Seán Kelly MEP, former President of the GAA, joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to remember the legendary commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, who passed away at the age of 93.

Supervised drug injection centres are being considered in Limerick if the pilot programme currently running in Dublin is a success. Some people believe that these centres would be an important tool in reducing drug harm, while Councillor Daniel Butler says that he doesn’t see such centres as a priority for Limerick right now. To discuss, Andrea is joined by Elisa O’Donovan, Limerick local councill...

The Cork-Limerick N20 road is to be upgraded to a full motorway, which will cut travel times between the two cities by up to 30 minutes! It is estimated that it will cost around €2 billion and road users will have to pay via tolls for the improvements.  Joining Andrea to discuss is Dee Ryan, Former CEO of Limerick Chamber and Fianna Fáil party member.

This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well. This week, Running Coach John Kinsella (@limerickrunning on Instagram) joins to show how running goes hand in hand with self improvement.

John Moran made history by becoming the first ever directly-elected mayor of Limerick City and County. He joins Andrea in Limerick to discuss his campaign, and what his future plans are for the city.

Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Dr Niall Breen from Portmarnock GP Clinic to answer listeners' health queries and questions…

The heat and humidity coming into the summer months is making it impossible for people to sit comfortably, let alone sleep through the night. The good news is that things as little as a fan or your duvet choice can really make a difference! Anne Marie Boyhan, Holistic Sleep Expert, Founder of the Sleep Care Company and Author of the 'Sleep Journal' joins Andrea to give her top tips for sleeping we...

We are now well and truly into the summer concert and festival season!   But, if you are an avid music fan – beware of the talkers… Emer McLysaght has been writing about this in the Irish Times, asking ‘Is there a case to be made for “no talking” areas at concerts, similar to quiet carriages on trains?’  What do you think about that idea? Andrea is joined by listeners including sing...

What are those phrases from television that have stood the test of time and are still referenced today? And what ones haven’t aged all that well? Joining Andrea to discuss is Broadcaster Sarina Bellissimo and Dr Ellen Howley, Assistant Professor at the DCU School of English. Image: Warner Bros. TV

Gilligan’s Island is a new segment on Lunchtime Live that aims to explore the island of Ireland to find the best places to visit, including those hidden gems! This week, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Gillian Harvey from Where Are We Going Tomorrow Travel to find the best family friendly spots in the country.

Barcelona is set to ban AirBnb in an attempt to help house prices. Their mayor says it will be outlawed in five years. The city has seen rent increases of 70% and a rising wave of public protest against mass tourism. With house prices increasing in Ireland - is it something we should look into here? To discuss, Andrea is joined by listeners as well as Airbnb spokesperson Lorna Cahill.

Our summer memories series is back! We chat to some well known faces and reminisce over those long summer days! Irish TV and pantomime actor Alan Hughes joined Andrea Gilligan to share some summer memories…

With warmer temperatures approaching, watery eyes, blocked noses and itchy throats are becoming the new norm amongst people in Ireland. Hay fever is triggered by the pollen count which heightens during these summer months. Andrea is joined by pharmacist Laura Dowling to discuss how common it is, and how we can tackle it.

Many people were shocked to see Cathal Crotty walk free from his assault case on victim Natasha O’Brien, having been given a fully suspended sentence. After speaking with Natasha, Andrea wants to hear from experts and listeners on the show for their thoughts.

Listener Pamela joined the show yesterday to share her struggle after the rent on her home went up by more than 50%. She is now facing homelessness if she can’t find another place to live. Andrea is joined by John Mark McCafferty, the CEO of Threshold, to discuss this story and the best next step.

From rally cars in Donegal to Taylor Swift taking inspiration from a Wicklow beach – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with stories from around the country.

'Two to put her down, two to put her out', those are the boasts on social media from Cathal Crotty after an unprovoked attack on Natasha O’Brien, which left her unconscious. Crotty has since walked free from court after being given a fully suspended sentence. Speaking outside Limerick circuit criminal court yesterday, Natasha said ‘This is not justice’. Joining Andrea to discuss are the victim, Na...

From instant hot water traps to wine fridges - this week’s Home Squad is all about quirky fittings and trends, and if they’re worth it! Andrea Gilligan is joined by Sarah Louise from Sarah Louise Interiors and Colin Baker from Decwells Expert Hardware to discuss.