Highlights From Lunchtime Live

People across Ireland are being encouraged to buy curtains for their homes to reduce night-time light pollution. It comes after a study at the University of Galway determined that private windows are the biggest culprit of emitting light after dark, with street lightning coming in second.What does light pollution mean for our environment, and who does it affect?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine, David Moore and Climate and Environmental Journalist, John Gibbons.

Figures released by Fáilte Ireland show a decline of 18% in tourists from all major overseas markets between January and April this year versus last year…But, what is causing the decline in tourism?Joining Andrea to discuss is Brian Flanagan, owner of Silken Thomas Hotel & Restaurant in Kildare Town, Nuala Mulqueeny is the Managing Director, Aillwee Burren Experience, Michael Lennon owner of the Westport Woods Hotel & the Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Alison Byrne, Dream Interpreter and Holistic Therapist to answer all of your dream-related questions!

A listener got in touch last week to tell us about her difficulties trying to get a solicitor - can it really be that hard?Angela in Cork City joins Andrea to discuss, as does Elaine Byrne from Elaine Byrne Solicitors in Athyboy, Meath.

The struggle to find childcare is something often heard on this show. And if you manage to find it, the cost of it can be astronomical…So, with many parents struggling to afford childcare, an army of grandparents have stepped up.But, are we too reliant on grandparents to plug the gaps?Joining Andrea to discuss is Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter podcast, Averil Sheenan from Care-a-lot Childcare in Cork and listeners.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has announced the new Garda Commissioner replacing Drew Harris: Justin Kelly.How significant is this appointment, and what do people want to see from the new Commissioner?Crime Correspondent with the Irish Times, Conor Gallagher and listeners join Andrea to discuss.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Suzanne Rice, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator to discuss the benefits of equine or horse therapy!

A four-week public consultation begins today on proposed planning permission exemptions aimed at easing the housing crisis. The changes would allow certain small-scale projects—like attic conversions and garden cabins—without formal approval, giving homeowners more flexibility and expanding housing options.Do you think this planning permission should be scrapped?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, Peter Finn AKA Pete the Builder and listeners.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

David and Paudie Clifford won their second All-Ireland together this weekend. The Kerry players are a formidable family dynasty, but they’re not the only ones.Sporting talent seems to run in families. Whether you subscribe to the ‘nurture or nature’ theory, some of the greatest players of all time happen to be related.Andrea is joined by Off the Ball’s Nathan Murphy to discuss.

Donald Trump's US Tariffs could see a rise in EU pharma imports into the US from zero to 15%.The tariffs which have been discussed between the US and the EU pose major hikes to multiple suppliers. We want to know who will be most impacted by these tariff hikes?Joining Andrea to discuss is Simon McKeever, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association, Carol Lynch, Customs and Trade partner with BDO Ireland, Mary Sadlier, CEO of Coole Swan Cream Liqueur and more.Image: Reuters

Apparently, the Irish are the biggest per-capita users of fake tan in the world!So, do you love it or loathe it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Noelle O’Connor, CEO of the Kind Brand Company, Off the Ball’s Kathleen McNamee, Michelle Ragazzoli Stone, AKA Mrs Makeup and more.Image: NBC

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘The Ex Files’!Image: Global

A listener has reached out to the show to express their frustration over ongoing delays to the move-in date for a newly purchased home in Sligo. Their experience raises questions about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, such as ESB, Irish Water, developers and estate agents in setting, and repeatedly missing, realistic delivery timelines…Peter and Fiona join Andrea to discuss.

It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Broadcaster and Dancing with the Stars Judge Brian Redmond joins Andrea to reminisce!

Over 82,00 fans will be in Croke Park this Sunday to watch the All-Ireland final, but how does the stadium operate on All-Ireland final day? How many meals will be served? How many pints will be poured and who gets the pitch perfectly ready?Andrea went to find out!

Donegal take on Kerry in this weekend’s All Ireland Senior Football Final.Donegal haven’t won the all-Ireland since 2012, and Kerry took home the Sam Maguire in 2022…But, who will claim the silverware on Sunday?Joining Andrea to discuss is Eamon McGee, 2012 All-Ireland winner with Donegal, Jack O'Shea, member of the Kerry Senior Football Team from 1976 until 1992, Tony Boyle, former Donegal Player, Mortimer Murphy, Freelance Sports journalist, Broadcaster, GAA Podcaster and Mary Coughlan, Chair of Donegal County Board and former Tánaiste.

From WWII movie filming to Limerick being the home of Halloween, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

With the All-Ireland football final taking place this Sunday. We want to know which county is not only better on the pitch but off the pitch. To determine this our Kerry and Donegal supporters will go head-to-head in our county quiz.Who will be victorious?Joining Andrea to compete are Donegal representatives Presenter of Newstalk Daily Ciara Doherty & Digtal Content Creator Michéal Brennan and representing team Kerry is Off the Ball’s Eoin Sheahan and Freelance journalist Edaein O'Connell.

In the upcoming budget, the government is looking to follow France and implement a weight tax on SUVs.Owners of these heavy vehicles will be penalized for having bigger cars. Is this unfair to those who depend on these larger vehicles to get around?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Complete Cars.ie, Shane O’Donoghue, Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Brian Cook and listeners.