The Hard Shoulder

Can the National Development Plan deliver on all its projects? With a €165 billion investment in transport, housing and infrastructure - will everything be met by 2040?Joining Kieran to discuss is Brian Caulfield, Professor in the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin.

Macra, an organisation that represents young people in rural Ireland, have said that young farmers are almost an “endangered species”, but are they really in decline, and what is it that is driving them out?Joining Kieran to discuss is Josephine O’Neill, National President of Macra and Limerick Dairy Farmer, Louise Crowley.

In recent weeks we have seen a rise in TVs in cars. Touch screens converted to TVs or TVs added to the dashboard playing videos. Driving around and watching TV. But is it allowed and is it safe? Henry McKean has been finding out for us.

What are your least favourite DIY jobs? And, what is your limit when it comes to being handy?Joining Kieran to discuss is Building Expert and TV personality Pete the Builder and DIY Educator and Content Creator Suzanne Armstrong.

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran Cuddihy to give his travel tips for the Isle of Man!

The Government today officially announced plans to implement a new national rent control system.The new rental regulations will mean that the current system, which caps yearly rent increases at 2%, or in line with inflation, will be retained for existing tenancies.Landlords will also be allowed to hike rents in instances where tenants leave homes voluntarily.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, Kate English, Deloitte Chief Economist and later Pat Davitt, CEO at IPAV.

Former People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith joins Kieran to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Martin Scorsese has said that people talking, snacking and using their phones during a film has put him off going to the cinema, and a survey found that over 50% of Irish people agree with him.The debate over declining cinema etiquette has been in the spotlight recently, including when a viral TikTok trend saw teenagers erupting into chaos during a scene in the new Minecraft film.Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr Jenny O’Connor, School of Humanities in SETU PHD Film Studies and Chris Wasser, Arts Journalist and Sunday Independent Film Critic.

Everyday, communities are encouraged to be more and more autism friendly. The latest Autism Friendly Towns Initiative sees autism charity AsIAm join forces with PTSB to promote accessibility and inclusivity for autistic individuals.Adam Harris is AsIAm Founder and CEO, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Protests have been taking place in Los Angeles over the past few days.It’s after it emerged Immigration Customs Enforcement Officers were carrying out raids in areas of the city with prominent Latino populations.More protests are expected today, as US President Donald Trump deploys 700 marines into the area.Joining Kieran to discuss is Peter Bowes, Reporter with BBC North America and David Cruz, Communications Director with the League of United Latin American Citizens.Image: Reuters