Highlights From Lunchtime Live

New York City congestion charges came into effect over the weekend: a car entering Manhattan can expect to pay up to $9 a day.So, is it time some Irish cities like Dublin introduced congestion charges?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Some families may have grown during the Christmas break – you may have a new four-legged furry friend competing for space on the sofa! But, how do you make sure that your new pet adjusts to their new home?Dawn Greer, Petmania's Professional Dog Trainer, joins Andrea to discuss.

The idea of getting fit in January is not exactly new.But sometimes, it can seem very unobtainable and just like a lot of work after an exhausting Christmas.So, are there things that can make it a little better?Andrea is joined by John Belton, Owner of No.17 PT, Human Performance and Wellness Coach, to find out!

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!This week, Paul Knapp, aka @official_firefightingchef on Instagram, joins Andrea to discuss his recipe for ‘Lentil Mother Sauce’, which you can use for many meals!

Reports this morning show that some-60,000 people across the country are affected by power outages – with some others experiencing problems with their water supply also…Andrea is joined by listeners to hear how they were affected.

The president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) , Garda Mark O’Meara has warned that ‘Over-zealous’ disciplining has left Gardaí afraid to draw their batons, even when in danger,’  Are our Gardaí equipped to fulfill their role fully – what level of force should they be allowed to use?  Photo: Leon Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

We look ahead now to the big cinema releases of the year – with Pop Culture and Entertainment Expert, Deirdre Molumby. Photo by Pixabay

Angela Collins O’Mahony, Ireland’s first female Steeplejack joins Andrea in studio to answer all of your questions!

From livesabing heroism in Kerry to a village shocked by spate of cat poisonings. Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

A new resource has been created to provide guidance to schools, teachers and parents on how to address the impact of online masculinity influencers like Andrew Tate. Photo by Ron Lach

Planning on doing a bit of home decorating in 2025, but don’t know where to start? Well, the Home Squad is here to help!Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and ‘Home of the Year’ winner and Sarah Carroll from Sand and Deliver DIY join Andrea to discuss.

You will probably be hearing a lot about New Year’s Resolutions over the next week or two. But, are they even worth making?Andrea is joined by Esther McCarthy, Life/Style Daily Features Editor with the Irish Examiner and Comedian Fiona Frawley to discuss.

Ever wondered what you would say if you met a huge A-lister in real life? What about if one walked into your shop?That happened to Eyebrow Expert, Elaine Simms, who treated ‘Friends’ star Courtney Cox!Elaine, as well as Frank O'Connor, Co-Owner of O’Connors pub in Salthill join Andrea to discuss their celebrity encounters.Image: Warner Bros

Claudia Winkleman returned to our screens last night, with a fresh batch of faithfuls hoping to catch out those dastardly traitors and take home the prize money – but this year with an added twist!Esther McCarthy joined Andrea to discuss what we can expect in this latest edition of traitors as well as former traitors Eamon O’Keefe and Ben

An article in the Irish Examiner today details that school assaults have forced nearly 400 staff to take leave…Sophie Cole is a recent victim of an assault in her classroom leaving her with debilitating pain and nerve damage.Sophie and more join Andrea to discuss.

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them. This week, she’s joined by Puneet Singh to learn about Sikhism.

It’s all about 1975 for this week’s Throwback Thursday! Ciara Treacy from Newstalk’s Digital Team joins Andrea to discuss the biggest things that happened that year…Image: Universal

Milan has introduced a total ban on smoking outdoors in the city…Those caught lighting up on city streets could face fines of up to €240. So, would you like to see outdoor smoking banned in Ireland?Andrea is joined by listeners, including Tom Gleeson from New Nicotine Alliance Ireland, to discuss.

With Christmas right around the corner - what are your favourite Christmas memories? What traditions do you have with your family, and how are you spending it this year?Joining Andrea to share their favourite festive memories and more is Presenter of the Home Show, Sinead Ryan, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Today FM’s Cathal Minogue.

It can sometimes be easy to forget, with all the shopping and presents, but Christmas is a Christian holiday.And, while a lot of people might no longer be practicing – many will still attend Mass over the Christmas period.So, should non-religious people attend mass at Christmas?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.