The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 15, 2026 • 8min
Science with Luke: Regrowing your own teeth
Everybody hates going to the dentist. So might it be possible instead to regrow teeth in your own mouth? Recent advances say yes. And also there’s a new toothpaste coming that is really effective at killing the bacteria in your mouth that cause gum disease.All to chat about with Luke O’Neill, Professor of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin.
Jan 15, 2026 • 9min
Immigration levels are being overestimated by public
A new report from the ESRI shows that many people believe immigration is happening in Ireland on a larger scale than it really. People also misjudged why migrants come to Ireland and the focus on asylum-seekers in media coverage and public discourse “may contribute to these biases”. So how much does this stem from migration.Pat discusses this further with Dr Umar Al Qadri, Chairperson Irish Muslim Council.
Jan 15, 2026 • 8min
Where to recycle and donate post-Christmas
Many of us will declutter and dump unused and unloved items this January. But many do not know where to recycle and donate post Christmas. With all the advice was Jo Linehan, Sustainability Journalist.
Jan 15, 2026 • 10min
Facilitating positive political change at a grassroot level
With rising anxiety among people currently due to the alarming actions of Trump, Putin and other world leaders. It is more important now than ever we facilitate ways in which positive societal and political change can be actively brought about at a grassroots level. All to discuss further with Stephen Donnelly, Melbourne based community organising specialist and Host of the Socially Democratic podcast.
Jan 15, 2026 • 16min
Over twenty million in unpaid derelict site levies
In 2023, 13 local authorities did not issue any derelict site levies despite having the power to do so. Almost €20.5m remains unpaid in derelict site levies ahead of a new derelict site tax in coming into effect in 2027. Pat discusses this further with Thomas Gould TD, Spokesperson on Urban Regeneration & Renewal, Planning, Public Realm & Local Government, Cork North-Central, Sinn Féin.
Jan 14, 2026 • 11min
Gardening stories with Diarmuid Gavin
Diarmuid Gavin, award winning gardener joined Pat Kenny on the show to dicuss the gardens of Bournville in Birmingham.
Jan 14, 2026 • 11min
Henry McKean asks the people of Cork if they feel safe on the street?
As part of the Pat Kenny Show's focus on crime we are going to turn to Cork. A shoplifting gang has been caught by Gardaí following a raid on a home in Cork. €10,000 worth of stolen goods, including shoes, spirits, drills, hoovers and toothpaste were recovered. But does Cork have a shoplifting problem like Dublin and do people in Cork feel safe? Henry McKean met people on the streets of Cork and sent us this report…
Jan 14, 2026 • 12min
How US action on Venezuela effects European oil prices
Oil prices are shaped as much by politics as by supply and demand, and so events thousands of kilometres away can still hit close to home. In recent weeks, renewed action by U.S. president Donald Trump against Venezuela has once again put the country’s vast oil reserves at the centre of global attention.While Ireland doesn’t buy Venezuelan oil directly, moves in Washington can still ripple through European energy markets, influencing prices, volatility and fuel costs. So how could political decisions in the United States affect what drivers, households and businesses here in Ireland end up paying?CEO of Henderson Risk Group, Duncan Bullivant joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Jan 14, 2026 • 8min
Political round-up with Harry McGee
Yesterday TDs descended onto the Dáil after the winter recess, and issues surrounding Merscour and migration were all on the table. Today, the hot lunch meal scheme and Uisce Éireann are set to be addressed.Pat was joined by Harry McGee, political correspondent with The Irish Times to discuss all things politics.
Jan 14, 2026 • 11min
Motoring news with Conor Faughnan
Pat Kenny was joined by Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator and Independent Motoring expert for carzone to discuss all things mororing and answers your motoring questions.
