Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

New Airbnb regulations will prevent homeowners in towns with populations exceeding 20,000 from renting their properties on a short-term basis for more than 90 days per year.Enterprise Minister Peter Burke confirmed that Government leaders agreed to the change on Monday night, stating that the Coalition must remain “cognisant” of tourism-dependent towns with limited hotel capacity.With hotel prices continuing to rise and certain parts of Ireland struggling to attract visitors, is this policy the most effective way to boost tourism nationwide while also supporting the hotel sector?Joining Andrea was Lorna Cahill Liaison for people with Air Bnb’s and owner of an Air BnB in West Clare,  Eoin Doyle a  hotelier, Lynnie O’Connell P - Hugh Morries, from Hugh Morris Alliance Auctioneers and Valuers and listeners to debate the upcoming measures.

Recently, we have had a few of our listeners reach out to tell us their experience when getting their staff Garda vetted.  Garda vetting is a check of your criminal record or any threat to children or vulnerable adults in Ireland.  Andrea was joined by James Hennessy, Zoo director of the National Reptile Zoo Antonio Montero, Coach, Mark Candon, Principal of St. Laurence O'Toole's National School Founder of the Silent Sideline Campaign and who runs an afterschool program to tell us how they found the process.  

It’s time for Making Babies.We hope that this piece and all the podcasts of the episodes before it can help people anywhere on their fertility journey.  Today, we’re talking about taking the step to try IVF, and how you should be prepared for that.Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the National Maternity Hospital, joined Andrea

The Oyekanmi family came to Ireland a number of years ago from Nigeria. Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi, and her three boys sought asylum here. But the family is to due face deportation tomorrow. Titilayo joined Andrea to discuss their campaign for the Justice Department to intervene in their case. Also joining Andrea was Finbarr O’Brien, De La Salle Rugby Club, where Titilayo's son has become involved in the club. Statement from the Department of JusticeThe Department cannot comment on individual cases.The Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.People can apply for international protection in Ireland if they have come to escape persecution in their own country or if they cannot return to their country because they have a well-founded fear for their safety.Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are full

Has your train line been closed for a few months?  Or maybe there’s a new one due to open near you and you’re wondering when?Joining Andrea to answer all your rail-related questions was Barry Kenny of Irish Rail.

Over the past week and a half, we’ve been hearing from parents of children with disabilities who are living with constant fear, anxiety, and deep frustration at the lack of support for their children when their parents are no longer here. Their stories have been powerful, and the emotional toll on families is impossible to ignore.Joining Andrea was another parent whose son has managed to secure accommodation. Mary O’Donnell she told Andrea about her experience on trying to get care for son.

In a bid to tackle Frances declining birth rate  every 29-year-old in the country will receive a letter encouraging them to have babies before it’s too late.What do you think of this? Is it a good approach? Or a bit heavy-handed?Joining Andrea was Helena Tubridy, Fertility coach, and Newstalk's own Laura Hannon and listeners who joined Andrea with their opinions

We’ve been breaking down all the most instrumental elements of exercise over the last few weeks- and how sometimes embracing simple things can be the most important.This week, we’re looking at walking – often overlooked and probably underrated- should we embrace it more?Joining Andrea was John Belton, Head coach and owner of No.17 Training who brought in a walking pad for Andrea to try.

We all need a bit of inspiration in the kitchen, but have we moved away from the traditional cookbook altogether, with TikTok changing our food habits once and for all? Joining Andrea was Chef Daniel Lambert, Keith Grant Master Butchers in Roundwood, Wicklow and Aileen Cox Blundell Nutritionist, and known on Instagram as @babyledfeeding

linked to murder, attempted murder, or serious threats of violence.In response, advocacy groups and political leaders have warned that repeat offending while on bail exposes deep systemic failures, including weak enforcement, prolonged court delays, and chronic under-resourcing within the justice system.This has raised pressing questions about why high-risk offenders are being granted bail in the first place, and whether stricter legal measures are necessary to better protect the public and prevent further crimes.Andrea was joined by One of the founders of SAVE action group – the sentencing and victim equality group, Kathleen Chada, Shane Gleeson who runs five Spar shops in Limerick city, aswell as callers who voiced their opinions.

Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic  joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Over the last week we have been speaking to the parents of adult children with disabilities about their worries about what will happen to the children they care for full-time, after they die...This issue was brought up in the Dail and we are continuing to be inundated with families contacting us to share their stories.Andrea was joined again by Tony Murray of the  Before We Die Campaign, Jill O'Brien  and Newstalk's Ciaran Bradley to reflect on the difference between the UK and Irelands model of care.

Do rugby fans get a bad name?And is the South County Dublin stereotype unfair to put on fans going out to watch the games?Gerry Thornley, Mick in Tralee and GAA fan Tony joined Andrea to discuss

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Tom Douglas & Sarah-Jayne Tobin joined Andrea to give their reviewImage: Wall Street Journal

Across Ireland, many people are struggling to buy homes due to a severe housing shortage and soaring property prices. Even buyers who have secured mortgage approval face daily frustration as they are drawn into competitive bidding wars.As bids continue to rise, homes are frequently selling far above their asking prices, pushing homeownership further out of reach for many people.What causes a bidding war and does we need to get rid of them completely to make housing more affordable?  Joining Andrea was Hunters MD estate agent, Rowena Quinn, Newstalk’s own, Barry Whyte and listeners who have first hand experience of bidding wars.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Andrea was joined by Former Ambassador Bobby McDonagh to answer any of your questions!

Tattoo regrets, have you a tattoo that you wish you hadn’t got? Have you had one removed?Brooklyn Beckham has apparently removed one of his tattoos which had the word ‘Dad’, in the latest carry on in their feud.Joining Andrea was Aidan O’Connell – Owner of Fade Laser Studio and Holly Carpenter

On Wednesday, we spoke to Tony Murray who is in his 70s and caring for his 42 year old daughter Aoife who has intellectual disabilities. Our conversation with Tony sparked the conversation about what happens to children who have special needs and cannot live independently after you die and we have been hearing from parents. Joining Andrea was Barbara O’Kelly in Dublin, Nicola Bardon in Dublin and Angela Tourish in Donegal.

Westlife and Boyzone come together to form a supergroup! What dreams are made of ! Keith Duffy of Boyzone fame and Brian McFadden from Westlife joined Andrea to discuss their upcoming show in the 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin on Friday April 3rd