
Lunchtime Live Highlights
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com
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Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2025 • 7min
Is the Modern Irish Diet to Blame for Rising Allergies?
Andrea speaks to consultant allergist Dr Ranbir Kaulsay about changing food habits in Ireland and the possible links to increasing allergy rates.The rising trend of mediterranean diets and other seed focused diets may lead to a rise in allergies, and potentially serious health impacts.For more listen here.

Jul 2, 2025 • 16min
Are Water Charges the Only Way to Ensure Sustainable Water Use?
Andrea hears from listeners across the country on whether reintroducing water charges would help cut down on waste. Colin O’Byrne from VOICE Ireland joins to highlight the urgent need to fix Ireland’s water infrastructure.We also hear listener opinions, as temperatures increase and data centres contribute to overconsumption.Listen here.

Jul 1, 2025 • 14min
Ask the Expert: Divorce
Michelle Browne, divorce consultant, mediator, and author of Scars of Divorce, joins Lunchtime Live to answer listener questions about separation, legal planning, and financial issues arising from divorce.Listen here

Jul 1, 2025 • 9min
Six Traits That Define If You’re Cool
Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Lunchtime Live to break down the science of being cool.Things like comfortability in oneself, style and sense of humour are top of the list, find out what else by listening here.

Jul 1, 2025 • 18min
Is It Too Hot to Travel?
Dr Akshay Deoras, research scientist at the University of Reading, joins Lunchtime Live to explain what’s behind Europe’s latest heatwave and what, exactly, is a 'heatdome.'We also hear from listeners and travellers across the continent to hear if the heat is putting people off their Summer holidays.Listen here.

Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
Dublin Bus Records 1,000 Incidents of Antisocial Behaviour
Blake Boland from Dublin Bus joins Lunchtime Live to explain the nature of this antisocial abuse and behaviour across the Dublin Bus network. Suzanne O’Connor from SIPTU’s Respect Transport Workers programme also discusses the toll it’s taking on drivers and staff.Listen here.

Jul 1, 2025 • 10min
How I Live Well: Roller Derby
Elaine Snowden and Melissa “Argie Bargie” join Andrea to talk about the culture, community and sport of roller derby.Listen here to hear all about the make-up of the game, where it's at in Ireland and how to play.

Jul 1, 2025 • 20min
Voluntary Contributions in Schools
Seamus Mulconry from the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association speaks to Lunchtime Live about rising “voluntary” school contributions as inflation hits budgets. Listeners share their experience on the rising impact of school costs.From technology costs to school meals; are schools putting the squeeze on parents with voluntary contributions?Listen here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 14min
Ask the GP
Dr Louise Fitzgerald of Grafton Medical joins Lunchtime Live to answer listeners’ medical queries — from Summer allergies to prescription side effects and general health advice.Listen here

Jun 30, 2025 • 8min
Are Left-Handed People More Creative?
A recent study has shown that only 10% of the country is left-handed. But are Ciotog’s really smarter and more creative? Margaret Leahy from Fable Tours joins Andrea to discuss her experience growing up left-handed and to dispel some of those myths around ciotogs.Listen here.