The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.Listen and subscribe to The Pat Kenny Show on Apple Podcasts, Google 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 adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 30, 2025 • 24min
Minister Darragh O’Brien on the future of Irish transport
Darragh O’Brien Minister for Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment joined Pat Kenny to discuss the future of Irish transport and the government’s climate plans as billions have been committed to both departments under the national development plan. From the supposed commencement of the Metrolink, the slow development of offshore wind resource, to will Irish buses ever see contactless card payments?
Jul 30, 2025 • 7min
Green Scene: How cleaner air might be increasing global warming
This week on the Green Scene we hear how cleaner air might be increasing global warming and new research that shows that we (and dolphins) might be breathing in micro plastics. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 30, 2025 • 7min
Motoring with Geraldine Herbert
A new static speed camera in Dublin aims to enhance road safety while raising concerns about a crucial US-Japan trade deal affecting EU vehicle standards. The discussion highlights contrasting motoring practices between the U.S. and Europe, emphasizing the importance of crash testing and the growing role of AI in safety assessments. Rising car insurance costs due to expensive repairs are also tackled, alongside a push for better public understanding of the Injuries Resolution Board. Finally, the challenges facing Europe’s EV market, particularly Tesla's struggles, are critically examined.
Jul 30, 2025 • 11min
Former EU negotiator examines the EU’s tariff deal with Trump
As the dust settles on the trade agreement struck by the European Union and the United States on Sunday…did the EU really eke out a win from the Trump administration? Or was it left with no choice but to bow to his tariff demands? John Clarke, former Director for International Affairs at the European Commission joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 30, 2025 • 21min
Tsunami warnings following massive earthquake
Overnight a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck of Russia’s pacific coast triggering tsunami warnings across the pacific. We get updates from Hawaii, Japan and the US with a full explainer from Professor Chris Bean, Professor of Geophysics at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Pixie Clay, Managing Editor, Hawaii Public Radio, Martin Fackler, acting Tokyo Bureau Chief, New York Times and Steve Futterman, US West Coast Correspondent.
Jul 29, 2025 • 12min
Jess Kelly on VPN's
The UK has introduced age verification requirements online, but users are finding workarounds. VPNs top download charts as UK age verification law kicks in. Virtual private network (VPN) apps have become the most downloaded on Apple's App Store in the UK after sites such as PornHub, Reddit and X began requiring age verification of users. Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent, joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 29, 2025 • 8min
Travel expert on some holiday hacks
Megan Virgo, a Travel Writer for The Irish Daily Mail and Image Magazine, shares her top holiday hacks. She reveals how to prevent tangled necklaces using drinking straws and suggests labeling luggage as 'fragile' for quicker handling. Megan also discusses the benefits of multi-port adapters for charging devices and efficient packing methods like using packing cubes and solar-powered chargers. Her practical tips promise to streamline your travel experience and enhance your next adventure!
Jul 29, 2025 • 7min
New Garda commissioner is set to be appointed today
A new garda commissioner is set to be appointed today. The new appointment follows garda commissioner Drew Harris’ seven-year role. The new garda commissioner will face challenges surrounding Garda retirement as a decade-long increase in resignation is expected. Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 29, 2025 • 13min
Latest on Trump's visit to Scotland
President Donald trump hosted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at his Scottish golf club for a press conference yesterday. The conference had some remarkable moments as trump made comments on Starmer's ‘friend’ Sir Saqid Khan, London mayor, and trump noticed from the ‘television’ that Palestinian children are ‘terribly hungry.’ Enda Brady, International TV News Anchor at TRT World joined Pat Kenny to discuss the visit.
Jul 29, 2025 • 9min
Is today’s political situation making dating harder for Gen Z?
Today’s political context is making dating more difficult for young people, studies show. This is partly because there is strong political divide between young men and women. Some young men and women view gender equality differently which also makes dating challenging. Dr Jenny Van Hooff, Reader in the Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University joined Pat Kenny on the show.
