The Hard Shoulder

The Central Statistics Office has released its report on how Ireland compared to other EU countries on price levels of food, beverages, and tobacco in 2024. Ireland ranked most expensive of all 36 European countries for non-alcoholic drinks, with prices 40% higher than the EU27 average. Food prices were 12% above the average, making Ireland’s groceries the second most expensive in the Eurozone.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Irish Examiner Consumer Columnist, Catriona Redmond, Michelin-starred Chef and owner of Kombu JP McMahon and Head of Social Justice and Policy at St Vincent de Paul, Louise Bayliss.

From putting garlic in your sock for athlete’s foot to taking rescue remedies for nerves, do any natural remedies actually have healing benefits, or are they just wives’ tales?Joining Kieran to discuss is Pharmacist, Health Advocate, and host of the ‘Wonder Care Podcast’, Sheena Mitchell.

Thousands of people have been protesting in Kyiv, urging the President to veto a controversial bill that threatens anti-corruption infrastructure.It marked the first major rally against the government in more than three years of war.The government move has been seen by some as proof that Ukraine is not ready to join the EU.Independent MEP Michael McNamara and Anatoliy Prymakov, Director at Ukrainian Action in Ireland, join Kieran to discuss.

The ESB is hiking the prices on EV charging by up to 15%, which means a significant increase for those who drive electric vehicles.Adrian Weckler is Technology Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent, and he joins Kieran 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 Kieran to give his travel tips for the city of Turin in Italy!

England’s Lionesses gave ITV its biggest audience of the year last week with many Irish fans turning in to support the women. This is a stark contrast to the often found “Anyone but England” posts from last year’s men’s Euros, so why are we more likely to support the Lionesses?Joining Kieran to discuss is Katheleen McNamee from Off the Ball and Editor of CorkBeo.ie, Joe O’Shea.

The Government’s National Development Plan has been unveiled today, which will see investment to the tune of €200 billion over the next decade.But, will this be all it’s cracked up to be?Joining Kieran to discuss is Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Frances Ruane, the Chair of the state’s National Competitiveness and Productivity Council.

Professor Luke O’Neill, Immunologist at Trinity College Dublin and Newstalk regular joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

As Dublin City Council have confirmed stewards will no longer guard the Molly Malone statue, new proposals have been put forward to install flower beds to deter tourists from groping her…Joining Kieran to discuss is Dublin City Councillor for Labour, Fiona Connolly.

The final elements of the €200 billion National Development Plan have been agreed and published earlier today, with the government setting out how we will invest in all our infrastructure for the next 10 years.But, what exactly will the money be spent on, and was every base covered?Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and TD for Galway West/South Mayo and David Timoney, Chief Economist at Davy, join Kieran to discuss.