Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Dublin Airport is warning people not to drive to Dublin airport unless they have parking pre-booked. All the car parks are currently sold out over the next several days.They’ve told anyone without a booking to use public transport or to get a taxi or a lift.So how bad are things now, and what should we expect over the rest of the summer?Andrea Gilligan is joined by listeners to discuss.

Built-in versus freestanding furniture – what should you go for?Joining Andrea Gilligan to give their recommendations are Jennifer Sheahan, Irish Examiner columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Colin Baker from DecWells Expert Hardware.Image: MyLife Bathrooms

Here’s a really good news story – a reunion 17 years in the making.Victoria O’Leary’s daughter Fatima was taken to Saudi Arabia by her husband 17 years ago. Ever since she’s been fighting to get her back.Last week, they finally reunited.Victoria joins Andrea to discuss.

Almost a third of childcare and early years facilities are now at risk of closing. With also 95% of workers in the industry apparently struggling to make ends meet.Finding childcare places is already an enormous stress for parents, so what does the future look like? And what needs to change?Andrea is joined by Elaine Dunne, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood, Averil Sheenan from Care-a-lot Childcare in Cork, Karen Clince, Founder of Tigers Childcare and more to discuss.

The Daily Express says you should ‘Vote Tory’, The Daily Mirror says ‘Vote for Labour’ and The Daily Mail says ‘Vote Farage’.You may notice that there is a distinct difference in how elections are covered in the UK versus in Ireland.Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, joins Andrea to discuss, as well as listeners across the UK and Ireland.Image: The Daily Express

It's Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Rebecca Shekleton, Co-Presenter of 98FM’s Big Breakfast joined Andrea Gilligan to rewind the clock.Image: Paramount Pictures

Taoiseach Simon Harris has re-opened the debate around GAAGO by reiterating his stance that Gaelic games should not be behind a paywall. Has GAAGO affected your GAA watching experience this year? Or do we need to just get over it and pay to watch the games?Andrea is joined by Conor Grimes, sports journalist Mortimer Murphy, Liam Brassil from Kilrossanty GAA and more to discuss.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has issued an appeal for an additional 2,000 blood donations over the next four weeks to help the national blood supply, as some blood groups have fallen to less than three days of stock.Dr Ellen McSweeney, Irish Blood Transfusion Donor Consultant joins Andrea to answer all of your blood donation questions!

Andrea was invited to Donegal to see the launch of Muff Liquor’s new million euro facility, also announcing celebrity investment. Which celebrities? Well, Andrea spoke with Ronan Keating, Ryan Tubridy and Russell Crowe all about why they are backing the brand!

Sweden have just launched a groundbreaking new law that would entitle grandparents to get paid parental leave while taking care of their grandchildren for up to the first 3 months of a child’s life.Should grandparents get paid parental leave while taking care of their grandchildren?Andrea is joined by broadcaster Claire Ronan and listeners to discuss.

Josie Rowley, who has been living in West Cork for over 40 years, had to have both of her legs amputated after getting insect bites at her home.Josie, who is now staying with her daughter Jen and granddaughter Becky, joins Andrea to discuss the situation.Photo: Jen Rowley

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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

You have probably heard the tragic news this morning that a mum and her eight-year-old daughter have died after a car crash in Co Mayo. Andrea Gilligan is joined by Teresa O'Malley, Head of News Midwest Radio, Frances Mitchell, Road Safety Officer with Mayo Council, Local Councillor John Caulfield and Susan Grey from the Road Safety Group PARC to discuss what happened and share their thoughts.

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to. This week guest host Anna Daly is joined by Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly and Entertainment Journalist, Rory Cashin to review ‘Generation Why’!Image: Wondery

Could you go a day a week without spending any money?The ‘No Spend’ challenge is the viral trend that involves buying nothing for a day each week. How difficult is this in practice?Journalist Joel Snape took on the challenge and joined Anna to discuss how it went.

UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer has been mocked for saying he won’t work past 6pm on Fridays. Critics have dubbed him ‘Sir Sleepy’ and have suggested that he will be a ‘part-time’ Prime Minister if successful in the UK election taking place this Thursday.Speaking with Chris Evans on Virgin Radio UK, he said that he likes to protect family time. What do you think?Listeners join Anna Daly to discuss, including Labour Cllr Joanna Tuffy, who was previously a TD and a Senator.

There is an increased demand and need for foster care in Ireland.The opportunity to foster these days is open to married, single, same sex couples, people with disabilities, older generations and for people who work who were previously discounted.Christina and Suzy, who are a same sex couple who foster here in Ireland, join Anna Daly to discuss their motivation behind fostering and what made them go for it.

Every Tuesday Lunchtime Live learns from someone doing something to make their lives better.Usually it’s Andrea learning how to better herself, but this week, guest host Anna Daly is learning about something calming… tea!Oliver from Wall & Keogh joins to discuss the benefits of the drink.

Irish people know about skin cancer risks, but think it's all right to get 'slightly sunburned’?'Studies show that tanned skin is still being seen as a sign of beauty and not “dangerous” sun damage caused by the sunbeds, and people not wearing their factor 50 when the sun comes out!Guest host Anna Daly is joined by Marissa Carter, Cocoa Brown Tan creator, Rebecca Hellen, Consultant Dermatologist and listeners to discuss.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Anna Daly to tackle your medical queries…