Drivetime

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) says the country has "significant gaps" to close in order to meet legally binding Climate Action Plan and EU targets. For more on this Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at the Department of Civil Engineering, in Trinity College Dublin.

The final opinion polls shows both candidates are neck and neck in an exceptionally tight race. For their take on how the election is going, Amanda Renteria, former national political director for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign & Erol Morkoc, chief strategist for Republicans Overseas.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) received over 5,000 reports of suspected cybersecurity incidents and over 700 were confirmed as authentic threats. We discuss the State's vulnerability to cyber attacks with the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth.

Voting in America is underway today as both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris vie to become the 47th President of the United States. Una Kelly reports from the polling station in Kent County in Michigan.

The Spanish Government has declared Valencia a disaster area and is providing 10.6 billion euro in urgent aid following last week's devastating flash floods. Cormac speaks with Eimear McCormack who is helping with the clean up in Valencia.

The Medical Council has today launched CAREhub, an independent, confidential service. It provides counselling and wellbeing support to medical students, doctors, and members of the public who are taking part in a Medical Council investigation. To tell us why, Dr Suzanne Crowe, President of the Medical Council.

Sports clubs and facilities all over the country are in for a boost after the governement announced 173 million euro in funding for 35 sports projects today. Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne tells us more.

The number of passenger seats available on aircrafts using Dublin Airport next summer will not now be cut, because the High Court granted a stay on a decision by the aviation regulator to cap the peak season slots. For the latest on this Will Goodbody, RTÉ's Business Editor and Oisín Coughlan, CEO of Friends of[...]

In the town of Ballaghaderreen, hundreds of people marched though the streets demanding a more visible Garda presence following recent incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour. The peaceful demonstration was sparked by reports of an alleged assault against a teenager on Halloween night. Our reporter John Cooke tell us more.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are pushing their closing messages to voters on the last day of campaigning before America decides its next president. Both candidates are in a final sprint across key battleground states. One of those states is Michigan. Our reporter Una Kelly is there.

Israel today ended an agreement that facilitated the work of the main United Nations relief organisation for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA is the biggest aid provider in Gaza still providing humanitarian aid in the territory. Sarah speaks to their spokesperson Louise Wateridge, who is currently working in Northern Gaza.

Do you have an office wife or husband, do you maybe exchange flirty messages with an old crush on Instagram? An article in the Times UK over the weekend has raised questions around the blurred lines of infidelity as a woman detailed her 'emotional affair' with a Dad on her school run. Dating and Relationship[...]

The death toll from the devastating floods in Spain earlier this week has risen to over 200 as torrential rains continue to threaten other parts of the country. To tell us more Spanish Correspondent Jaime Velazquez, and Mike McDowell.

The Department of Housing has published its monthly data on the number of Commencement Notices, which is when residential construction starts, for the month of September. To debate the progress Alan Dillon Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government & Planning and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dun Laoghaire.

The director of one of the last functioning hospitals in Northern Gaza has said the territory is now “totally destroyed”. Dr Muhammad Salah, head of the Al Awda hospital which is supported by ActionAid Ireland tells us more.

Most polls show Trump and Harris running neck and neck with the two candidates evenly matched in seven key swing states. To discuss this Dr Laura Barberena, communication strategist who worked on campaigns for Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton & Mark Rozell, chair of the school of policy in government in George Mason University in[...]

The Government has set up a taskforce on special education planning and provision in the Dublin 15 area. Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education & Inclusion, Hildegarde Naughton debates with People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy.

An examination of the State's response to the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to begin its work in the coming weeks, after the cabinet signed off on its terms of reference. INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha addresses this with Drivetime.

A new RSA programme, launched in September, delivering road safety education to transition year students has proved to be a success. To tell us more about the programme, we were joined by Mary Madden, Director of Schools from the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB and by the RSA's Director of Partnerships and External Affairs Sarah[...]

Camp Shamrock, where hundreds of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon are based, was struck by a rocket last night. Our reporter Una Kelly was at Costume Barracks in Athlone.

The two candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, are both heading to Arizona and other states for events today before polling on Tuesday. To discuss the campaign we were joined by Jennifer Ewing who is Spokesperson for Republicans Overseas UK.

In March of last year the Assembly, chaired by Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, published some 159 recommendations. The Government say over 90% of the Citizen's Assembly's recommendations on biodiversity loss are now in progress or implemented.

Journalist and author Amanda Brunker gives us all her tips for looking after your local foxes!

Ireland's infrastructure is lagging 25% behind that of high-income European economies, according to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure debates with Pearse Doherty Sinn Féin TD for Donegal.

Three victims of the Spanish floods tell us about their experiences. Maya Middlemiss, founder of Remote Work Europe, Mercedes Rojas and Mike McDowall.

Several families of those who died in the Creeslough explosion two years ago say they feel they are a step closer to finding out why it happened after a meeting with government today. Our reporter Una Kelly has been speaking to some of the families and their solicitors.

Ireland's infrastructure is lagging 25% behind that of high-income European economies, according to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation and Seamus Hoyne, Dean of Flexible and Work-based Learning at the Technical University of Shannon.

With all the climate models expecting a more extreme escalation of events, how prepared is Ireland for these extreme weather events? With Dr Michelle McKeown, Lecturer in Environmental Science at University College Cork.

Sinn Féin launched their new healthcare policy today. Among the measures, more GPs and more medical cards, an end to prescription charges and a plan to invest over €15 billion in capital projects as part of its five-year strategy. To discuss this Rose Conway-Walsh, Sinn Féin TD and Neasa Hourigan, Green Party TD.

Dublin is a beautiful city held back by naysayers, and Dublin 1 could become one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in Europe, says David McRedmond, Chief Executive of An Post and independent chair of the Dublin City Taskforce. David joins Cormac along with Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor with The Irish Times.

There has been widespread condemnation of Israel's parliament which last night voted to ban the UN's Palestinian refugee agency from operating in Israel and in east Jerusalem. There are now fears that the agency's operations in Gaza will collapse. For more Dr Rajaa Musleh, Med Global's Gaza Country Director who is just recently back from[...]

While charities campaign to raise awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of calling an ambulance asap. One accedemic is using the day to spread the word about techniques to Dr Kenneth Monaghan is Clinical Musculo-skeletal Specialist Physiotherapist, Lecturer in Health Science Physiology at the Atlantic Technological University.

Humanitarian agencies warned today that it would be impossible to fill the void left by UNRWA, the main UN organisation in Gaza providing emergency relief to Palestinian people. For more on this developing story Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Former Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights.

Experts warn that normalising alcohol as a coping mechanism exploits vulnerable women, increasing health risks and reinforcing unrealistic expectations of motherhood. CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, Dr Sheila Gilheany.

With just a week and a day until the US Election vote, the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump could hardly be closer - with both both candidates keen to avoid any mis-steps in the coming days, with more is Harriet Alexander, US Based Journalist.

Last week when the British athlete and Olympian Chris Hoy confirmed that he’s had a terminal diagnosis, searches about prostate cancer - on the NHS website - increased by 672%. With more is Greg Nason, Consultant Urologist at Mater Private Network.

A year ago this week, floodwaters deluged parts of north Louth. Hundreds of homes, farms and businesses were devastated, with repair bills running into hundreds of thousands of euro. Our reporter Una Kelly has been speaking to business owners in the Cooley Peninsula, with more from Paddy Malone, PRO of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce.

Gambling poses a growing worldwide threat to public health, with its rapid expansion via mobile phones and the internet harming far more people than previously thought, a Lancet Public Health Commission on gambling has found. Prof. Heather Wardle Heather is a Professor of Gambling Research and Policy at the University of Glasgow.

An Armagh man who was the subject of one of the largest investigations in the world into the sexual extortion of children has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the manslaughter of a 12-year-old girl. Former police officer of the UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre , Jim Gamble and Psychotherapist and[...]

It was Initially funded through a 30 million euro investment by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation and it had been the intention to gift the O'Connell Street venue to the State. For reaction to this news the recently newly elected Mayor of Limerick John Moran.

Average Speed Cameras have "Gone Live" ahead of the Bank Holiday rush on the N3 in Cavan and N5 in Mayo. John Cooke was on the roadside near Swinford in Co. Mayo.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon has said that its peacekeepers withdrew from an observation post in south Lebanon after Israeli forces fired at it. Ettie Higgins, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Lebanon.

Dublin is now the second most expensive city in Europe, and number of homes built so far this year is behind the number of properties completed by this time last year. Fine Gael Councillor & Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan, Owner of Liberty Blue Estate Agents, Regina Mangan and Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock.

With mounting evidence for the effectiveness of psychedelic assisted therapies in treating a range of disorders, organisers are advocating for this therapy to be made an HSE funded, publicly available treatment. With Dr Colm Harrington, chair of Irish Doctors for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan has today opened the 2025 Farm Plan Scheme for applications. The Scheme supports farmers and non-farmer landowners to conserve and restore nature on their land.

Research published today say women thought domestic violence services would generally not be able to help them due to their disability. Women's Aid chief executive Sarah Benson speaks so Cormac.

After months of hearings the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying held its first public meeting in June of last year and issued its final report in March of this year, recommending legislation to allow assisted dying under strict criteria. Vice-chair and People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny and committee's chair Michael Healy Rae discuss this.

Shop owners launched a campaign today calling for more Government action on the issue, including usign anti-social behaviour orders and night courts. Our reporter Una Kelly speaks to some of the shop owners.

Attracting new staff to fully office-based roles is "more challenging" now as employers push for more days on-site. While five days in the office used to be the norm, employee expectations around remote and hybrid working are leading to conflict with the bosses who want them back. IBEC's executive director of employer relations Maeve McElwee.

The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that although greenhouse gas emissions fell in most sectors last year, the rate of progress is not enough to meet national & EU climate obligations. To discuss this further Green Party Senator Pauline O'Reilly & Social Democrat TD & Spokesperson for Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Jennifer Whitmore.

Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and fulfil their potential. Today marks Lá Gaisce, the annual day of celebration dedicated to recognising the achievements of those young people across Ireland. To tell us more Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce.

SIPTU have today outlined a proposal for a new Transport Police pilot scheme. The scheme proposes recruiting 125 officers to be based in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. SIPTU Transport, Aviation, Energy and Construction Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane tells us more.

The Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said information provided to the Dáil last week about the age of the teenager who received an inappropriate text from former Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile was wrong. For reaction Sinn Féin TD and the new Chair of PAC Mairéad Farrell and Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa[...]

Greenhouse gas emissions continued to fall during the first three months of this year according to the latest report from the EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency. But what's it down to and are we on course to meet climate targets? To tell us more, we speak to Dr Eimear Cotter, Director of the Office of[...]

Minister Stephen Donnelly promises to speed up the treatment of scoliosis patients, but accepts some children have been failed. Una Kelly has been speaking to some parents whose children have been waiting for treatment.

With just over two weeks to go and with both candidates neck and neck in the race for the White House, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have been campaigning in key swing states today. To discuss this Caitríona Perry, chief presenter with BBC News based in Washington and John Nichols, Washington correspondent for The Nation.

At 45 years old, former Manchester United player Diego Forlán has swapped his football boots for a pair of tennis shoes. If that's an inspiration, chartered work and coaching psychologist, Leisha Redmond McGrath gives us some tips and advice on what's involved in a career overhaul.

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has signed bilateral treaties with the United Arab Emirates on extradition and mutual legal assistance today. The minister said she believes the two agreements will support tackling organised crime and drug gangs. Deputy Leader of Fine Gael and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee joined Cormac.

Binding rules applying to video-sharing platforms who have their EU headquarters in Ireland have been set today with the introduction of the Online Safety Code. Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán tells us more.

Bereaved families of Troubles victims and human rights organisations have said the UK government has 'betrayed' its commitment to victims and called on the Irish government not to drop its legal case against the UK over its legislation on Troubles-era legacy issues. Our reporter Una Kelly tells us more.

Parents of young babies are citing confusion and concern following the recent introduction of the new RSV immunisation to babies, says pharmacist and healthcare advocate from the Wondercare podcast Sheena Mitchell.

The Dublin City Taskforce has recommended that 1,000 extra gardaí be deployed to ensure greater security in the capital's city centre. For reaction to what's proposed Drivetime was joined by Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central and by Mark O'Meara, President of the Garda Representative Association.

RIP.ie is Ireland’s leading online platform for death notices was recently acquired by the The Irish Times to expand its range of digital services & products. Shannon Mora is a PhD student in Digital Humanities and Culture in the School of Languages, Literatures, & Cultural Studies at TCD. Shanon has done research on the website[...]

New research published today has found that menopause remains a taboo subject in the workplace. The study was carried out by academics in the University of Galway & University College Cork. To tell us more Dr Maeve O’Sullivan, Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management & Decent Work from the College of Business at the University[...]

The Government has agreed extradition & mutual legal assistance treaties with the UAE which will facilitate the return to Ireland for trial senior members of the Kinahan Organised Crime gang. Investigations Editor with the Sunday World & Presenter of the Crime-World podcast, Nicola Tallant & Former Garda Assistant Commissioner, Michael O'Sullivan.

Irish singer Orla Gartland recently told the BBC in an interview her upcoming sold-out US tour will leave her 40,000 pounds out of pocket. Our reporter Una Kelly has been looking into this

Lighthouse tourism experts are meeting in County Kerry next week to plan on turning Ireland into a world-class maritime tourism destination. The Great Lighthouses of Ireland annual gathering, taking place on Valentia Island, will unveil a new 5-year strategy to reach this goal. Ethna Murphy is Great Lighthouses of Ireland Project Manager

The Israeli army has urged residents of 23 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate - as attacks intensify in the region. Cormac speaks to MedGlobal volunteer & an emergency medicine physician - and U.S. Army veteran Dr. Bing Li, currently in Lebanon supporting local hospitals in the Bekaa Valley region

The cost of buying a home in Ireland is rising at its fastest rate in almost two years, new figures from the CSO have shown. To discuss this Managing Director of Ballymore Developers Patrick Phelan, and Sinn Féin TD & Spokesperson for Housing Eoin O Broin.

This evening the Israeli military says it is 'checking' if Yahya Sinwar was killed in Gaza. The IDF said in a statement today that three militants were killed during operations in Gaza, without elaborating - but added it was “checking the possibility” that one of the three was Sinwar. journalist Gideon Levy tells us more.

Thousands of third level students walked out of lectures at colleges across the country today in protest over cost of living issues. The action was to highlight "anger" over what they described as "the complete lack of measures to support students in Budget 2025 " Drivetime's John Cooke was there for the Walkout at the[...]

One Irish citizen originally from Palestine is currently trying to get her 74 year old mother out of Gaza. Shereen Alsabbagh has been living in Ireland for fifteen years. Sherin Alsabbagh joined Sarah.

Liam Payne’s family and stars from across the music world have led tributes to the former One Direction star after his death at a hotel in Argentina. To discuss this tragic passing Psychotherapist and Author Joanna Fortune.

Legislation to regulate the gambling industry in Ireland enters its final stages in the Dáil tonight. Under the Gambling Regulation Bill, a new regulator will be established with powers of enforcement against the industry along with curbs on advertising and related matters. Reporter Una Kelly has been looking into this.

The World Food Programme have said today that no food entered northern Gaza for the first two weeks of this month- as Israel launched the latest military operation there. For the latest Abeer Etefa MiddleEast Senior Spokeswoman with the UN World Food Programme.

Legislation to regulate the gambling industry in Ireland enters its final stages in the Dáil tonight. Under the Gambling Regulation Bill, a new regulator will be established with powers of enforcement against the industry along with curbs on advertising & related matters. Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne speaks to Sarah.

The Mercy Law Resource Centre said that some local authorities are not allowing people access to emergency accommodation, forcing them into couch surfing, hidden homelessness and, for some, rough sleeping. Adam Boyle is a solicitor with the Centre joins Sarah

Dublin tenor Paul Byrom was adopted from St Patrick’s Mother and Baby Home. In recent years he registered his interest to find information about his birth mother with the state’s online system in 2021 to access information about his early life. Paul joined Sarah to talk about the process.

There has been a surge in money-laundering arrests since the start of this year as Gardaí target drug gangs and fraudsters. There's also been an increase in so called 'money mule' cases- where people allow their bank accounts be used by gangs. Detective Chief Superintendent, Nigel Mulleady - head of the Garda National Economic Crime[...]

The Minister for Health has been asked for reasons as to why one of the country's main maternity hospitals is still operating pandemic-style restrictions on visitors for new mothers and their babies. Expectant parents have called for restrictions at the University Maternity Hospital Limerick to be eased, Drivetime's John Cooke tells us more.

The UN security council has expressed “strong concern” after the wounding of several UN peacekeepers when they came under fire in southern Lebanon amid clashes between the Israeli military and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Nick Birnback, Director of Strategic Communications with UN peacekeeping.

The Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald made a statement in the Dail regarding child protection issues in the party as well as addressing the resignation of TD Brian Stanley. For some reaction to this ongoing story Fianna Fail TD & Minister of State at the Department of Transport James Lawless and by Sinn Fein[...]

As a new report proposes major changes to the capital's city centre, could the GPO building on Dublin's O'Connell Street become the new home of RTÉ or maybe a world class museum? The Dublin City Centre Taskforce report due to be published in the coming days includes ten major initiatives to improve the city. Architect[...]

The president of the GAA Jarlath Burns has suggested that the association should be open to debating the possibility of offering contracts to inter-county managers. To discuss this further by former president of the GAA Liam O'Neill.

Brian Stanley has said Sinn Féin should have referred a complaint to Gardaí when he brought serious matters to the attention of the party's disciplinary panel on 11 September. To discuss this Sinn Féin TD & spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Defence, Matt Carthy.

Ireland is seen as a versatile destination, suitable for visits year-round with scenery and a sense of exploration - some of the top reasons for coming here. According to Tourism Ireland's latest research, interest in visiting Ireland is on the rise. Alice Mansergh, the Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland tells us more.

Dr. Mohammed Salha, Acting Director of Al-Awda hospital in Gaza, one of the few partly functioning hospitals in Northern Gaza and a partner of the Irish charity ActionAid Palestine - describes the conditions at the hospital.

Former members of the Ku Klux Klan, anti-Semitic groups and Q-Anon conspiracy promoters are all advising far-right communities in Ireland which are increasingly looking to the US for inspiration. According to a report by David Gilbert from online magazine WIRED who covers disinformation and extremism, he joined Sarah.

There have been reports that Israeli troops opened fire at three positions held by UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, including at Unifil’s main base at Naqoura. To discuss this Rami Mortada, Ambassador of Lebanon to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Minister for Defence and Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that the news that UNIFIL troops in Naqoura in Lebanon have again been fired upon by Israel, injuring two soldiers, was "reckless and intimidatory". For more on this Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs & Defence, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

According to the latest HSE National Ambulance Service report, Bystander CPR in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in this country increased by 25% between 2012 and 2023. To discuss this further is, Director of Emergency and Acute Care at Cork University Hospital & Chair of the Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Register, Professor Conor Deasy.

The Gazan health ministry has announced that more than 42,126 Palestinians have been killed in the territory since 7th October 2023. The humanitarian crisis in the North of Gaza is now acute because of an Israeli displacement order which affects up to 400,000 people. To discuss this deputy director with UNRWA IN Gaza Sam Rose.

Netflix’s hit show “Emily in Paris” is now heading to Rome, French President Emmanuel Macron has waded into the conversation and said the country “will fight hard” to stop the show relocating to Italy’s capital. One Italian man who says Emily should stay in Rome is Giuseppe Crupi, Director of Pinocchio cookery school in Dublin.

This time last year, Khalid El Astal, a Palestinian-Irish man who was born in Belfast lost his wife, his mother and his brother in the devastating war in Gaza. His two children survived the onslaught. After his family members were killed Khalid returned to Ireland with his two sons, he joined Cormac in studio.

Aid organisations are today sounding the alarm on the intensified bombing in the north of Gaza as well as new mass forced displacement orders impacting an estimated 400,000 people. A Gaza based charity Juzoo who are a partner with Oxfam have been providing vital support. Jomana El Khalili is a representative from the group she[...]

Fianna Fail has published a bill today which aims to tackle the issue of wasted renewable energy by ensuring it is diverted to assist those most in need. To discuss this further, Christopher O'Sullivan, Fianna Fail spokesperson on the environment and Jennifer Whitmore from the Social Democrats also a spokesperson on environment.

LNG is back in the headlines today as the Government's extensive legislation to overhaul the planning system is due to go before TDs tonight for a final vote. To discuss Labour Leader, Ivana Backik and Gren Party TD Steven Matthews.

The Criminal Assets Bureau has seized almost 10 million euros worth of criminal assets, and transferred 8.5 million euros to the State, according to its latest annual report. Michael Gubbins, is Chief Bureau Officer with CAB he joined Cormac in studio.

New research from UCD has shown a rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and violence across the country. The Department of Geography at UCD has been part of a research project involving eight European countries. Professor Kath Browne from the Department of Geography at UCD is Project Co-ordinator of the EU funded "RESIST" project tells us more.

Brian O'Driscoll, former Ireland rugby captain and now experienced TV and radio pundit has revealed that - as a younger man he 'lost sleep' whenever he had to speak in public. So how debilitating can it be .. speaking in public.. or in front of your peers. Orlaith Carmody is a communications consultant and coach[...]