Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Every week we give you the chance to get access to an expert and this week, we put your motoring questions to Motoring Journalist Geraldine Herbert

The Government has announced funding to develop a brand new town in Dublin – between Lucan, Clondalkin and Liffey Valley. Samantha Dooley from Ongar Village Residents Association joined Andrea and listener's, to discuss other new towns and if they lack character.

Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what qualities make a good friend and what people seek out when they are expanding their friendship circle.

A ban prohibiting smoking on all beaches in Barcelona came into effect this week. Andrea was joined by listeners and environmentalists to discuss if something similar should be brought in here.

Listener John, joined Andera to discuss his experience of falling victim to a solar panel scam.

Seagull's have been attacking children in the seaside town of Balbriggen. Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly and joined Eanna Ni Lamhna, Biologist & Environmental consultant, joined Andrea and residents to discuss what can be done to protect locals from the protected birds.

Whatsapp groups can be informative, they can be a scheduling tool and they can be good for staying in contact with a friend group. Freelance journalist, Harriet Marsden and Newstalk’s Technology correspondent Jess Kelly, joined Andrea to discuss if Whatsapp groups have become more of an annoyance then anything else.

There was chaotic scenes on the Dart yesterday afternoon after people disembarked the train, on to the tracks as they say the heat was unbearable. A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said a Dart was awaiting a clear platform at Bray before proceeding into the station just before 3pm when a number of people forced open the doors and walked on the track. Andrea was joined by listeners who were travelling on the dart to describe their journey experiences.

Emma got in touch with the show to tell of her experience of cyberstalking along with Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. If you have been affected by issues raised by Emma you can contact the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900.

Ahead of the Galway Races next week, Stylist Mandy Maher who is head judge and one of three judges at this year's Galway Races joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to discuss how best to win best-dressed lady at the Galway Races this year.

Gráinne Ui Luing is a mother of two girls, Caoimhe aged 8, and Fiadh aged 6. Both of her daughters have Cystic Fibrosis, meaning they are constantly in need of antibiotics, physiotherapy, nebulisers etc. Gráinne is now in a dispute with the HSE and the drugs company Vertex which makes the life-changing drug called Kaftrio. Her daughters have been denied this drug as the age group has been excluded from the pharmaceutical deal. This leaves 35 children in Ireland with this condition who have no way of obtaining life-changing medication. Gráinne joined Andrea on the show to tell her story.

All households can now apply for an EV electric car charging point grant in their home, even without owning an electric car. But would you make the move to an electric car? Derek Ryan Nevo and electric vehicle user along with callers joined Andrea Gilligan on the show.

Staff shortages can be seen in many small businesses and hospitality settings but could things be made easier for staff to be recruited and retained. Fianna Fail TD James O’Connor, joined Andrea and Adrian Cummins, CEO of Restaurants association of Ireland to discuss if the work permit if fit for purpose.

Speaking in Australia, Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald sent out a rallying call to Irish people living abroad to return home. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if Ireland is a good place to come home too.

Whether it’s keeping your elbows off the table or knowing which fork to use for your starter, table manners have been around for a long time. Therese McCullagh-Melia of the Etiquette Academy of Ireland joined Andrea to discuss if people are still bothering to learn table etiquette or if table manners are dying out.

Staff shortages mean nearly two million hours of home help won’t be delivered this year. The HSE estimates about 35,000 hours’ worth of care will not be delivered every week this year, because of staff shortages. Andrea was joined by carer's and those working as carer's to discuss the impact of these shortages.

Calls have been made to equip hospital staff with body cams as more than 34,000 nurses and doctors have been assaulted in the past seven years. Andrea was joined by Stephen McMahon and Liam Herrick to discuss if this is a necessary step in protecting health workers.

AIB announced that 70 of their branches are going cashless.Tara Buckley from RGDATA, the organisation representing Ireland’s community based grocery retailers joined Andrea and listeners to discuss their reaction to this move.

Whether you’re a fan of the old school classics or the fancy new comers there’s a crisp for every occasion and they’re all on display at the inaugural crisp festival in Dublin this weekend. Chris Raymond one of the organisers of Crisp fest joined Andrea to discuss what is in store for crisp lovers of Dublin.

A new Pret A Manger is set to open on Dawson Street in Dublin. It adds to the Starbucks, McDonalds, Subways and countless other chain stores that are operating in our capital and throughout the country. Andrea was joined by listeners and business owners to discuss if chain stores add or take away from a city.