The Hard Shoulder

Detached modular homes built in a back garden will be exempt from planning permission under new government proposals and today, these exemptions are available for public consultation.Will it help to solve the housing crisis?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Minister of State for Planning and the person who is leading on exempted developments, John Cummins, Fine Gael TD for Waterford.

While the Presidential Election may not yet be in full swing, the pool of candidates is beginning to fill out.Mairead McGuinness has been nominated by Fine Gael, Catherine Connolly has also announced her intentions, and so has Conor McGregor, obviously.But, what is it really like to run?Joan Freeman is a former Independent Senator and Founder of Pieta House, as well as a former Presidential candidate. She joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Should summer Gaeltacht courses be mandatory for school kids? Minister Helen McEntee has been asked to consider this by Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Education Ryan O’Meara, who said he is concerned whether we are addressing improving and increasing the presence of the Irish language.Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Education, Ryan O’Meara, and by Cúla4 Presenter, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Sleep Expert Lucy Wolfe to discuss how to keep your children in a good sleep routine, especially in the summer!

As you will have heard in the news headlines today, the European Union and United States have agreed a deal that will lock in tariffs of 15% on most EU imports to the US, preventing the prospect of a trade war.But, has the EU lost too much in this deal?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Emma Howard, Economist in TU Dublin, Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty.

Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar has said the show is poised to return next year after being left “frustrated” by the finale.This comes after fans were left somewhat disappointed following the finale of the show back in 2021.This begs the question, can Line of Duty director Jed Mercurio rewrite the wrongs of a failed ending?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this and more is Editor of Geek.ie, Olivia Fahy.Image: BBC

The hunger crisis facing Palestinians has been high on the agenda in talks between the British Prime Minister and Donald Trump in Scotland today.It’s as Israel allows foreign countries to parachute aid packages in.So, what is happening, and what’s next in addressing the crisis?Gershon Baskin is a Hostage Negotiator and the Middle East Director for the International Communities Organization, a UK-based NGO. He joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle have been invited to accept the Freedom of the City of Dublin when they visit the capital in September.The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, said the couple had received the city's highest civic honor in February 2017 by Dublin City Council, however they have not yet had the opportunity to formally accept it.Is now the right time to receive this award? And should they get it at all?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this and more is Eddie Punch from the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association and Law Lecturer from the University of Galway & Columnist with The Journal, Larry Donnelly.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Excitement is building across the country as Kerry prepare to take on Donegal on Sunday.The Kingdom will be looking to secure their 39th All-Ireland title, while Jim McGuinness has built up confidence in Donegal.Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been around the county to hear how fans are feeling ahead of Sunday.