

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
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Sep 26, 2025 • 22min
How widespread are eating disorders?
Yesterday, Andrea spoke with Paula Crotty who discussed losing her daughter to an eating disorder…It got a really big reaction, so we want to stay with it.How big of an issue are eating disorders in Ireland?Joining Andrea to discuss is Aveen Bannon, Dietican with the Dublin Nutrition Centre, as well as listeners with experience…

Sep 26, 2025 • 15min
What are the planning permissions for log cabins?
Many people are at risk of being evicted and made homeless after the Government’s announcement this week that it will exempt small cabin homes on family land, such as back gardens, from planning rules…The plan has come too late for Andrea’s guest, who demolished his timber chalet-style home last month. Brendan McDonagh from Brittas lost an eight-year battle to keep a timber chalet-style home he built on his parents’ land in Brittas, in the foothills of the Dublin mountains. He was fined €2,000 in the District Court.Brendan and his family did not qualify for HAP, and built their log cabin as a place for him, his wife and two children to live.Since the demolition, their friends have rallied around them to set up a GoFundMe for the family.Brendan joins Andrea to discuss, as well as Town Planner Derek Whyte.

Sep 26, 2025 • 7min
Regional Roundup with Eamonn Torsney
From Waterford boy racers to Limerick jazz, Newstalk’s Eamonn Torsney joins Andrea with the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

Sep 26, 2025 • 19min
Are we right to spend so much on the NFL?
American Football is back in Dublin, and this time, it’s bigger than ever!The Vikings and the Steelers will be going head to head in Croke Park this Sunday, as thousands of international fans flock to Ireland to watch the match.But, are we rolling out too much of a red carpet for the event?Andrea is joined by Independent Councillor Mannix Flynn, Cian Fahey from Off the Ball, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Sep 25, 2025 • 11min
The Home Squad: Choosing Windows & Doors
When you want to make a big change to your home, there are few better options than your windows and doors, both inside and outside of the house.From variety to cost to inflation, the Home Squad are here to discuss choosing windows and doors!Joining Andrea to discuss is Martin Glynn, Founder and CEO of The DIY Academy and Jenny Sheahan, former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and @workerscottage on instagram.

Sep 25, 2025 • 9min
Have you been scammed on Vinted?
Andrea’s guest attempted to buy and sell clothes sustainably on Vinted. Laura Burke sold a dress on the platform for €75 to a French customer. Going about delivering her parcel correctly and on time, she thought she had done everything the same way she normally does. It wasn't until she was told that she had scammed the customer that she realized she herself was being scammed…Laura joins Andrea to tell the story, and Rosalyne Lipsett, Fashion Broadcaster with Ireland AM also joins to discuss.

Sep 25, 2025 • 16min
Ticketmaster forced to be more transparent - is it enough?
Ticketmaster is being forced to change how it advertises tickets after the dramatic Oasis dynamic pricing backlash.They’ll have to tell fans 24 hours in advance if a “tiered” pricing system is being used as it was for Oasis standing tickets.And they’ll have to provide more information during online queueing, so you'll know when the cheaper batch of tickets have sold out.So, does this go far enough?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly, CEO of First Music Contact Angela Dorgan and listeners.

Sep 25, 2025 • 13min
What help is available for those with eating disorders?
When a loved one has an eating disorder, what help is available to them?Paula Crotty lost her daughter Jennifer two years ago to an eating disorder, and is Founder of CARED Ireland, a support group for parents and carers for loved ones with eating disorders. Jenny Langley, is a lived experienced carer and workshop facilitator.They join Andrea to discuss.

Sep 25, 2025 • 10min
The Making of Simply Red’s ‘Stars’
We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Simply Red’s album ‘Stars’!

Sep 25, 2025 • 15min
Should the First Homes Scheme go beyond new builds?
With Ireland’s housing crisis showing no signs of easing, the Government has confirmed that the First Homes Scheme will remain limited to new builds in Budget 2026 — excluding second-hand homes, despite earlier commitments.This decision has raised fresh questions about affordability, access, and the Government’s broader housing strategy…Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciarán Mulqueen from Crazy House Prices, as well as listeners.


