The Hard Shoulder

US President Donald Trump, since his inauguration, has seen the cutting of jobs and funding in certain departments as part of his wider process to cut government spending.One of the victims of these cuts is America's weather departments, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which provides data for forecasting, sparking fears that the US might be unprepared for future weather events.David Amelotti, Reporter and Anchor at First Alert 4 News from St Louis, Missouri joins Kieran to discuss, and Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather joins to discuss the impact it may have on Irish weather reporting.

Property prices rose 8% in February compared to last year – in yet more worrisome news for those trying to navigate the housing market.All of this while Dubliners are being asked to have their say on plans to transform an industrial estate on the city’s northside into a “brand-new community”.So, what role can property developers play in solving the housing crisis?Cork Property Developer Michael O’Flynn joins Kieran to discuss.

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss the build up to the next Ireland Gateway to Europe trip for the show, as well as a return to her AI 101 series - all about hallucinations with AI!

The UK Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling this morning, backing the biological definition of women in the UK’s Equality Act.This means that the term “woman” in the legal aspect will not include transgender women - which might have a wider implication on policy decisions down the road.Joining Kieran to react to this ruling is Laoise de Brún BL, CEO and Founder of The Countess and Karen Sugrue, Co-Chair for Mammies for Trans Rights and Psychotherapist and Sociology Lecturer in TUS Limerick.

A Cork Pub Owner thought it was a late April Fools when he found out his pub would be demolished to make way for the Cork Luas. The 2 Billion infrastructure project caught some by surprise.Henry McKean went to Cork to find out more, and joins Kieran to discuss.

With April being Autism Awareness on the program, we have heard from parents who have been battling to get adequate services for their children.But, from a legal perspective, how much has the state infringed on the rights of children and their families by failing to provide care?To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Gareth Noble, Partner at KOD/Lyons and Solicitor specialising in child law.

Tucker Carlson, the American media personality, was in Ireland yesterday – he interviewed Conor McGregor, while also visiting his pub in Crumlin.It was reported that approximately 40 people showed up at the Black Forge Inn.But, why did this happen?Joining Kieran to discuss is one of those who attended: Conor Lenihan, former Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation, and former Fianna Fáil TD.

A study has found that we love it when plans suddenly get cancelled and consider it a tiny triumph. We love 'jomo' or the joy of missing out. Finding money in your coat pocket or getting the last parking space are the small wins that cheer us up.Henry McKean asked these people what 'pick me ups' put a smile on their face!

Irish Singer and Musician Brian Kennedy joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Dublin City Council met yesterday to discuss the aftermath of the chaos over the weekend by the Grand Canal in Portobello which saw people littering, urinating and defecating in the area.Labour Party Councillor Dermot Lacey joins Kieran to discuss…Image: Damien Storan