

Lunchtime Live
Newstalk
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 25, 2025 • 19min
Should we invest more in road policing?
Figures this morning reveal that road deaths in Donegal have risen by a staggering 70% last year – just as road policing numbers were slashed by a third.Tomorrow is National Slow Down Day, and Gardaí have announced that they are going to have an increased number of speed checkpoints around the country – but wouldn't we send a stronger message by properly policing our roads year-round?What do you think?Andrea is joined by Dakota Nic Mheanman, Sinn Féin Councillor in Donegal, Mairead Forsythe, Spokesperson for the LOVE30 Campaign as well as listeners to discuss.

Feb 25, 2025 • 14min
What is ‘addictive eating’?
This week is Eating Disorder Awareness week. One eating disorder that you may hear a lot less about is ‘addictive eating’. Two members of Addictive Eaters Anonymous, Ruth and Isabelle as well as Lynda Duffy, Eating Disorders Therapist, join Andrea to discuss.

Feb 25, 2025 • 11min
How I Live Well: Grounding
It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Leona McDonnell, Mindfulness and Wellness Coach, who advocates for stepping outside barefoot!

Feb 25, 2025 • 18min
Dublin’s Victorian Fruit and Vegetable Market sees €26m revamp
The redevelopment of Dublin’s Victorian fruit and vegetable market is finally happening - to the tune of €26 million.Work will start in June, and will take about two years to finish.By the time it’s done, the plan is to have new shops and restaurants with at least 80 stalls inside.So, what needs to happen?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Food Writer and Editor of Scoop magazine Dee Laffan, Chef and owner of Wildflower restaurant in Blackrock Market Adrian Martin, Green Party Councillor for the North Inner City Janet Horner, Joseph Duffy, fourth generation florist who used to work in the market and Tom Durcan from Durcan Meats in Cork's English Market.

Feb 24, 2025 • 9min
Ask the GP with Dr Sumi Dunne
Dr Sumi Dunne, GP in Laois, joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Feb 24, 2025 • 13min
How to properly support a child during separation
Parental separation and marital breakdown can be an extremely challenging time for children…A new book called ‘It's Not Fair’ helps kids to adjust when mum and dad separate.Deirdre McCarthy, a Social Worker and Lecturer in Trauma-Informed Care at University College Cork and author of ‘It’s Not Fair – Parental Separation Hurts’ joins Andrea to discuss.

Feb 24, 2025 • 20min
Over €54 million left unclaimed from Deposit Return Scheme - why?
Over €54 million worth of plastic bottles and cans have gone unclaimed in a year…So, why are some people refusing to buy into the Deposit Return Scheme?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Feb 24, 2025 • 12min
Would you buy a supermarket wedding dress?
The costs associated with weddings can be great, so any financial reprieve for the bridal party would be nice; but would you have your bridesmaids get their dresses from a supermarket?A budget range of bridesmaid gowns are becoming available in ASDA in the UK, can a certain stylish quality be upheld with a cheaper option? Or, is dress rental a sounder financial choice?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Newstalk’s Helena O’Toole, Stylist Laura Mullet and Sarah Kennedy from ‘The Aisle’ blog and Wedding Expert.

Feb 24, 2025 • 12min
Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Oats & Dumplings
This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!This week, Andrea is joined by Chef and Director of Conbini Condiments, Holly Dalton to learn about her recipes for overnight oats, granola and dumplings!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Feb 24, 2025 • 19min
Is Ireland becoming unappealing to tourists?
Canadians travelling to Ireland have been given a warning by their government that if they’re arriving here to forge a romance that they struck up online, they may in fact be the victim of a scam…Other travel advice such as to avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery as well as carrying large sums of cash as pickpockets may be targeting tourists.Is Ireland particularly unsafe for tourists, or is this just general advice for all tourists?On top of this, the Irish Hotel Federation have stated that they are €100 million down for bookings year-on-year. So: has Ireland become unappealing to tourists?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.


