
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

May 8, 2025 • 13min
The Home Squad: Campervans & Holiday Homes
With the gorgeous weather, you might be dreaming about weekend breaks…Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about all things campervans and holiday homes!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Design House.

May 8, 2025 • 9min
Would you use this app to get better at maths?
A new maths app is taking Ireland by storm!Andrea is joined by David Carr, Founder of the maths app Pi-Squared, to explore how his app is reshaping maths learning through technology, and what inspired its creation.

May 8, 2025 • 7min
Camogie Association to vote on mandatory skort ruling
Over the last week, pressure has been increasing on the Camogie Association to reverse the rules around mandatory skorts.Today, the Camogie Association has called a special congress to vote on the issue…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Sinéad Wylde, Dublin Camogie Player.

May 8, 2025 • 12min
What has the EU done for you?
Support for Ireland’s membership of the European Union has dropped to its lowest level since 2013, according to a new opinion poll.The European Movement Ireland poll by Amarach Research found that 34% feel the EU is not upholding its core values, and 26% are dissatisfied with its direction.What do you think? What, do you feel, has the European Union done for Ireland?Andrea is joined by Kieran Allen from the Irish Neutrality League and more to discuss.

May 8, 2025 • 11min
Are mobile saunas at risk of being banned?
Mobile saunas have really grown in popularity in Ireland in recent years.Local authorities seemingly have no uniform bylaws to facilitate, license and regulate these businesses.Wexford has a ‘blanket ban’ on applications for mobile beach-side saunas, while Kerry is licensing two on a pilot basis.Is lack of clarity threatening to kill off this business in Ireland?Joining Andrea to discuss is Cllr Joe Sullivan, Fianna Fail Councillor in Wexford, Chris Mortimer joins us on the line from Sweathouse.ie and Cllr Deirdre Ferris, Sinn Fein Councillor in Kerry.Image: Sauna Experts

May 8, 2025 • 11min
Debunking food expiry date myths
Food waste is something that affects our wallets, our environment and our kitchens…Well, joining Andrea to share practical tips, surprising facts and simple habits to help you waste less and save more is Sophie Truman from Too Good to Go!

May 8, 2025 • 17min
Can you march against the ‘manosphere’?
This evening there’s a march in Dublin against the ‘manosphere’.But what is that? How can someone march against a ‘manosphere’? And what could they hope to achieve?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dean McDonald, Lecturer in Cyberpsychology, ROSA Spokesperson Harper Cleaves, Eli from United Against Racism and Podcast Host Keelin Moncrieff.

May 7, 2025 • 12min
Are people climbing Everest unqualified? New ruling for climbers
Inexperienced climbers could be banned from scaling Mount Everest to reduce deaths and overcrowding.Overcrowding has become a huge issue on Everest; pictures have been shared on social media recently of long queues to the summit, and massive amounts of litter left on the mountainside.Earlier this year there was a 36% increase in climbing fees for foreign climbers on the mountain.Joining Andrea to discuss Johnny Ward, an Irish Adventurer who summited Mount Everest in 2023, John Burke, Owner of Armada Hotel and Shelly Gray, Today FM Presenter and mountaineer.

May 7, 2025 • 9min
Reasons to be Happy: 10 Things I Hate About You, Westlife, Bald Men
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.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…Image: Disney

May 7, 2025 • 21min
Is learning to drive prohibitively expensive?
Is it possible to learn to drive without family help?Geraldine Herbert wrote in the Independent about the real cost of learning to drive, particularly if you don’t have access to a car you can practice on.So, is it possible? Or prohibitively expensive?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ross Smith, Driving Instructor and Co-Founder of Virtual Driving Instructor as well as listeners.