The Hard Shoulder

The Government has launched the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce report.The plan, which will include 30 actions to aid, speeding up, and delivering critical infrastructure, is part of the Government’s attempt to keep pace with the demands of economic and population growth in Ireland.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Ciara to discuss how to pass wind, discreetly!

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how artists are expressing serious concerns about AI music - and what the issue exactly is...

Ahead of his upcoming show 'The Son of a Carpenter' at the 3Arena on Sunday, December 14th, Comedian, actor and Writer, Jim Jefferies, joins Ciara to discuss!

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide on Christmas Markets!

President Volodymir Zelenskyy has thanked the Irish people for their steadfast support of Ukraine and “not losing faith in us” as he addressed the Dáil today as part of his first official state visit to Ireland.His speech comes at a time of huge importance for his country as a potential peace deal edges closer nearly four years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country…Joining Ciara Doherty to give their reactions is Tom McEnaney, Media Consultant and Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, Luba Healy, Ukrainian living in Ireland for 25 years and charity founder and Adi Roche, Founder and Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International.

TV Presenter Karen Koster joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The Irish Farmers Association has raised serious concerns after the European Commission moved to recall Brazilian beef products which had been imported into the European Union.The beef was found to have contained hormones which are banned across the EU. The beef product made its way into a number of countries including Britain and Northern Ireland.It comes as the debate continues in Europe over the introduction of the Mecosur Trade Deal…Ciara Doherty is joined by IFA President Francie Gorman to discuss…

The state visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been taking place today, coming as the US tries to broker a ceasefire.Zelenskyy has also been addressing a joint sitting of the Dáil this afternoon.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the key takeaways so far…

Have rom-coms lost their magic? Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who starred as Sam in Love Actually, seems to think so. As he says they are from a bygone era in cinema. Is he right?Joining Ciara to discuss is Entertainment Journalist, Brian Lloyd.