
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

Mar 6, 2025 • 12min
How will households deal with rising energy prices?
There are growing fears that people will fall further into arrears as energy prices remain stubbornly high - with price hikes incoming.This year the costs will be compounded by the lack of energy credits…So, how will households deal with these increases?Guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by Izzy Petrie, Research & Policy Officer for Energy Poverty SVP, Darragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie and more to discuss.

Mar 6, 2025 • 14min
Throwback Thursday: The Euro, Halle Berry, American Idol
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom joins guest host Sinead Ryan to look back on the year that was 2002!

Mar 6, 2025 • 16min
How can prison overcrowding be fixed?
Prison overcrowding is at another crisis point with all secure jails having reached, or exceeded, capacity for the first time.More than 100 prisoners were sleeping on the floors of Mountjoy on Tuesday night when numbers reached a record 1,000.With, clearly, some major issues with the Irish prison system, how can things be solved?Joining guest host Sinead Ryan to discuss is Niall Spelman, retired Prison Governor, Kathleen Chada, Founder of SAVE Action Group, Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association and more.

Mar 5, 2025 • 10min
Ask the Expert: Trichologist
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Clare Devereux, Trichologist and Hair Coach to answer any of your hair and scalp questions!

Mar 5, 2025 • 8min
Are people over Harry & Meghan?
Last night, Meghan Markle’s Netflix cooking show finally dropped, after much anticipation… and it has been roasted by critics and pretty much anyone who has seen it.So, has all interest in Harry and Megan finally waned?Andrea is joined by Founder of Goss.ie, Alexandra Ryan and Entertainment TikTokker Holli Breslin.Image: Netflix

Mar 5, 2025 • 18min
What should Ireland’s role be in war?
Donald Trump’s Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the freezing of US military aid to Ukraine has led to a European focus on defence…Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, set out a broad proposal to ramp up European defense by as much as €800 billion.Germany's likely next Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has also proposed billions in new defence spending.This all comes as debate stirs around Ireland’s neutrality and the ‘triple lock’ system, freeing up Irish troops to be deployed overseas.As Europe prepares for war, what do you want Ireland's role to be in it?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator and former member of the Defence Forces, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst and more.

Mar 5, 2025 • 13min
Is there enough awareness around endometriosis?
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, Andrea is joined by Singer and Songwriter, Ruthanne.Ruthanne has spoken on the show before about her experience with endometriosis. She joins to discuss how life has been since, and the awareness around the condition.

Mar 5, 2025 • 11min
Reasons to be Happy: Drive to Survive, Stella Cinema, Loch Ness Monster
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…Image: Netflix

Mar 5, 2025 • 16min
Does Cork need a light rail system?
A preferred route for Cork's light rail is to be announced within weeks as the Transport Minister hopes to get the project to planning before the end of the year.The project is expected to cost about €3 billion…But, does Cork need it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ken O’Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork, Stephan Koch, UCC Commuter Plan Manager, Joe Lawton, Bus Driver for Martin Twomey’s Coaches Cork & former Bus Éireann driver for 48 years and more.Image: Cork City Council

Mar 3, 2025 • 14min
Ask The GP: Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic is with Andrea to answer your questions. Today we’re focusing on adult ADHD diagnosis. So get your worries or questions answered here.