Newstalk Breakfast
Newstalk
Newstalk Breakfast brings you all the news you need to set you up for the day – from politics, business, sport, entertainment and everything in between. Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly have all the stories that matter, every weekday from 7-9AM. Listen and subscribe to Newstalk Breakfast 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
Mentioned books
Jul 30, 2025 • 3min
Where does Ireland’s future in energy really lie?
We are often told about the importance of Ireland weaning itself off fossil fuels and reducing our reliance on other countries to keep the lights on. However, a new report from the National Social and Economic Council suggests it isn’t as simple as going renewable and reaping the benefits. Muireann Lynch, Energy Economist at the ESRI joined Jonathan Healy on the show.
Jul 30, 2025 • 4min
Garda in hospital following stabbing on Capel Street
A garda has suffered multiple stab wounds following a knife attack in Dublin city centre. One man was arrested following the incident. Mick O’Toole, Crime and Defence Editor with The Irish Daily Star and The Irish Mirror, brought us the latest.
Jul 30, 2025 • 9min
Are explicit creators like Bonnie Blue empowering or degrading women?
Last night, Channel 4 aired 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story. It follows the sex worker Bonnie Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, as she defends her career creating some of the most explicit content online. Ali Ryan, Founder of Goss.ie joined us on the show.
Jul 30, 2025 • 5min
Vatican hoping “cool” and “hot” priests will bring people back to the Church
Thousands of digital missionaries and young Catholics have arrived in Rome this week to discuss the role of social media and how young believers can drive change. As part of this, the Vatican is seeking the help of “hot priests” to spread the good word. Fr David Vard a 33-year-old Irish priest at the Jubilee in Rome and he joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.
Jul 29, 2025 • 6min
Having toxic friends can age you just as quickly as smoking
The science has finally spoken; you need to cut your toxic friends and ‘frenemies’ for the good of your health. Yes, a team of researchers from NYU found that negative social ties could cause premature ageing. Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and Consultant Psychiatrist at Tallaght Hospital, joined Jonathan Healy on the show to discuss.
Jul 29, 2025 • 4min
Man sentenced to death over the killing of Seán Rooney
A man has been sentenced to death in Lebanon after he was convicted for his part in the killing of Irish peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney, who was shot dead while serving in the region in December 2022. Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent with the Irish Times joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.
Jul 29, 2025 • 5min
New Garda Commissioner to be announced today
The new Garda Commissioner will be announced later today, taking over from Drew Harris after seven years in office. Whoever fills the role will face issues such as rising resignations and low recruitment in the force. Ronan Slevin, General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association joined Jonathan Healy on the show.
Jul 29, 2025 • 9min
Major reforms to Ireland’s planning system
Local authorities will be told to zone more land for housing, as the Government plans to more than double the national annual target as part of efforts to tackle the housing crisis. Under planned guidelines being brought to Cabinet today, councils will be asked to collectively zone enough land to hold 83,000 new homes per year, up from the current 33,000 annual target. Tom Philips Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates joined us on the show this morning.
Jul 29, 2025 • 11min
Should Barack Obama receive the Freedom of Dublin?
Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam has invited former US President Barack Obama to formally accept the Freedom of Dublin during their visit to the city in September. However, the Irish Anti War Movement is now considering a protest against the honour. Jim Roche PRO of the Irish Anti-War Movement and Scott Lucas Professor of US and International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin joined us on Newstalk Breakfast to discuss.
Jul 29, 2025 • 5min
Study reveals true sources of night-time light pollution
A major international study has found that streetlights aren’t the only culprit when it comes to light pollution. Georgia MacMillan University of Galway researcher based in Dark Sky Park County Mayo joined Shane Coleman on the show.
