Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Irish Rail announced that 41 new trains were in transit and heading for Ireland but disability activists say that they’ve been forgotten about as the trains are no more accessible than the current ones.Andrea was joined by listeners Sean,Veron and Jane Cregan from Irish Rail to discuss the accessibility of the Irish rail service.

Technology has made our lives so much more convenient but in the process of simplifying everyday tasks, Hilda Roche, National President of the ICA ,and Noel Cunningham, TV Personality and Author of Guide to Modern Irish Manners, joined Andrea to discuss if we lost our life skills.

Ewan McGregor has made a rare public comment about the breakdown of his first marriage and the impact the split has had on all of the relationships in his life. Andre was joined by life Coach Mark Fennell discuss the impact of divorce on those directly and indirectly involved.

Vaping has traditionally been seen as a “safer” alternative to smoking and is increasingly popular with teenagers. Andrea spoke to Dr Brendan O’Shea, GP in Co Kildare and listeners, to discuss if vaping could pose health risks to those who use them and encourage younger age groups to become nicotine dependent.

Paul Maher from University of Limerick has studied the science behind nostalgia, and he joined Andrea to explain why we love things that make us reminisce on past times or experiences.

Tenants who need to work from home are being refused by some landlords advertising rental properties. Andrea spoke to Amy Molly, Public Affairs Correspondent with Independent News & Media, who has been speaking to renters and landlords about some of the issues that arise with remote working in a rental property.

A new designed to prevent employers from using tips or gratuities to make up wages, is being brought in front of the Seanad this afternoon. Andrea was joined by Adrian Cummins, CEO Restaurant Association of Ireland, hospitality workers and listeners, to discuss how todays changes will redefine tipping culture.

Evie Nevin from Cork has a genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder which can cause dislocations. She’s on disability allowance and explained to Andrea why she is calling for the back to school allowance to be increased.

Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if our streets become too cluttered with street signs. Between signs giving directions, poles, bollards on cycle lanes, they discussed if our footpaths become more difficult to navigate.

Aisling Creegan’s start to life was dominated by alcohol and abuse as the daughter of alcoholic parents. She says that her mission as a child was to get to the next day, alive and safe. She joined Andrea to discuss her memoirs in a bid to help others that might be struggling.

It’s been a long few years for Westlife fans but the end is in sight and next week they are returning to stage for their The Wild Dreams Tour. Shane Filan joined Andrea to discuss how rehearsals are they going and what fans can expect from the tour.

Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer played Marlay Park in South Dublin yesterday, for their Hella Mega Tour but it seems like music fans got a little more than they bargained for. Andrea spoke to listeners who were there who told her about the queues into the venue of up to 2km long and streams of fans left stranded looking for a way to get home.

Today is International Body Piercing Day, Andrea was joined by one of the country’s top piercers Carla Horrana,from Carla Horrana Piercing and Jewellery, to discuss if piercing is still as popular as ever and how she got into the business.

On Fridays show, listener Paddy was in touch to discuss how he was taken off a waiting list because he didn’t reply to a letter that he says he didn’t get. Andrea spoke to listener on todays show to discuss the general uncertainty around waiting lists and the length of time people are waiting to receive health care.

Aer Lingus has issued an apology to the customers affected after a number of flights were cancelled this weekend. Andrea was joined by listeners affected by flight cancellations and Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air and Travel Magazine, to advice on what to do if you have had a recent issue with a flight.

Neil Smith was in touch with the show off the back of the Eagles’ concert at the Aviva Stadium, which he attended with his partner. He explained to Andrea, the couple ended up being unable to see large parts of the performance because of the large number of people standing in what was supposed to be a seated part of the stadium.

There was unsavory scenes in Croke Park yesterday in the clash between Armagh and Galway, with a brawl as the players entered the tunnel at the end of normal time. Andrea was joined by Nickey Brennan, former GAA president, to discuss if enough being done to stomp out violence from the GAA.

Every Friday, we search for the definitive answer to some of the most burning questions in The Big Debate. Today on our Big Debate, we want to finally get the answer to the question- ‘Is the idea of marriage outdated?’

Dr. Afif El Khuffash joined Andrea on the show who posted a painting of a breastfeeding mother and her baby on Instagram recently that was promptly flagged as inappropriate. ‘Fighting the Breastfeeding Stigma’ Opening Night takes place on July 28th from 7 pm to 10 pm with a complimentary Drinks Reception and Canapes at Copper House Gallery.

Listener Paddy joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to talk about how he was taken off a waiting list because he didn’t reply to a letter- which he says he didn’t get.