In this episode, host Niall takes calls from concerned residents of Saggart and Citywest as they react to the government’s controversial €140 million purchase of the local hotel, which has been used for several years to house asylum seekers.

While many callers express that they initially had no objection to the hotel being used as temporary accommodation, they now fear it will never return to its original purpose as a community and leisure space. With few local amenities already, the move has sparked frustration and concern.

“We were told this was temporary. Now they’ve bought the place outright – how is that temporary?” – Patricia from Citywest

“I’ve lived here all my life. That hotel was for weddings, family events, even job fairs. Now it’s gone – just like that.” – Mark in Saggart

“I’m not against helping people in need. But the area can’t cope. Services are stretched, and some of the behaviour we’re seeing is worrying.” – Louise, mother of two

“It’s not racist to want to feel safe. Some of the lads hanging around the park at night are intimidating. That’s just the truth.” – Anonymous caller

The episode dives into the tension between compassion and community strain, with Niall giving space for residents to voice their lived experiences. A raw and revealing conversation about policy, planning, and the future of a fast-growing Dublin suburb.

Should your social media determine whether you can enter a country, get a job, or earn a promotion?

In this episode, Niall tackles the controversy surrounding the US Embassy’s new "enhanced social media vetting" for J1 visa applicants, which requires students to make their social media accounts public and open to scrutiny. The policy has sparked outrage and confusion, especially among Irish students, some of whom feel they’re being silenced for speaking out on global issues.

📢 Tánaiste Simon Harris weighed in, saying students “should not be deprived of a J1 visa for expressing their views on horrific issues happening around the world.”

But is this really new? As Niall points out:

“From what I remember, even applying for an ESTA years ago involved questions about your online presence.”

Callers to the show are split.

“It makes sense in a post-9/11 world—countries need to protect themselves,” one listener argues.

“This is about chilling free speech. If we’re afraid to post opinions online, we’ve already lost something important,” says another.

The conversation broadens to civil liberties, including policies in the UK where civil servants are discouraged from using social media or criticising the sitting government.

Is it reasonable to screen social media for security—or are we entering a dangerous space where dissent is punished?

Listen in as Niall and callers unpack the balance between national security and personal expression

Ireland plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030—five years earlier than the EU’s 2035 deadline—as part of its sweeping Climate Action Plan. But is this ambitious move realistic? In this episode, Niall dives deep into the heated debate with guest Nadia Forde from Ashford Motors.

Niall explores both sides of the conversation:

"We can’t ignore climate change any longer. EVs are the future, whether we like it or not," says one caller, supporting the shift."I live in rural Clare—there’s barely a charging point within 20 miles!" argues another, questioning the practicality of going electric for everyone.

Meanwhile, Naill highlights the financial strain on smaller manufacturers and how big brands like Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and VW are already transitioning ahead of schedule due to tightening emissions standards—not just regulation deadlines.

From concerns over affordability and charging infrastructure to hopes for a cleaner, greener future, Niall asks:

Are you ready to give up petrol and diesel? Or is this just policy running ahead of reality?

Tune in now, and decide for yourself.

In this thought-provoking episode, Niall asks a tough question: Should we be paying more for our food if it means protecting the environment? As the cost of groceries continues to rise, listeners from across the country call in to share their views—some passionately in favour, others strongly opposed.

📞 One caller argues, "If paying an extra euro means supporting local farmers and reducing emissions, I'm all for it. We can’t keep destroying the planet just to save a few cents."

But not everyone agrees. Another listener insists, "People are already struggling to afford the basics. It’s not fair to ask working families to carry the cost of climate policy."

Niall also speaks to several farmers who say the real issue lies with government regulation. They point to rising compliance costs, EU policies, and increasing red tape as key drivers of food price inflation.

Tune in for a lively and honest debate that gets to the heart of one of the biggest questions facing Irish consumers today: Can we afford to eat sustainably—or can we afford not to?

In this deeply emotional and raw episode, Niall reads a heartbreaking email from a mother pushed to her limits. She’s 38, raising a 16-year-old daughter with special needs on her own, and confesses a truth that many parents may feel but are too afraid to say aloud: "Although I love her, I also hate her so much for ruining my life."

The mother describes the breakdown of her marriage, the loss of her job, constant verbal and physical abuse from her daughter, and a deep sense of isolation. She's tried support groups, family help, and even dating, but nothing seems to offer lasting relief. Now, she’s considering putting her daughter into care—just to survive.

Listeners call in with powerful stories and opinions, some standing in empathy and support, others expressing shock and concern.

One caller shares: “I’ve been there, Niall. My son is 12 and has severe behavioural issues. I’ve screamed into my pillow more nights than I can count. This mother is brave for admitting what many of us are afraid to say.”

Another says: “I was raised by a single mum with a disability and if she’d spoken about me like this, I’d be devastated. That girl needs love, not resentment.”

Others offer practical thoughts:

“I don’t think she hates her child, Niall. I think she hates the life she’s been forced into without proper support.”

“Putting her daughter in care isn’t giving up—it might be the only safe choice for both of them.”

Niall navigates the emotional weight of the conversation with compassion, asking the big question: Is this mother truly wrong to feel the way she does—or is society failing families like hers by not giving them real, long-term support?

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, host Niall opens the phone lines to the public on a highly emotional and divisive issue: Should people who suffered physical abuse at the hands of teachers before corporal punishment was outlawed in 1982 be entitled to compensation?

As the calls come in, listeners hear a wide range of passionate opinions. Some callers argue that society cannot keep paying for the wrongs of the past, especially when they were legal at the time. Others insist that the damage done to victims is lifelong and that justice demands recognition—and reparation—no matter how much time has passed.

This is a raw, honest, and often uncomfortable conversation about accountability, trauma, and how we reckon with the darker chapters of our shared history.

In this open and honest episode, host Niall asks a timeless question: Do you believe in God? And if so, why? The phone lines light up as callers from all walks of life share their personal beliefs, doubts, and experiences.

Some callers passionately defend their faith:

"I've felt God's presence in my life during my darkest moments. I can't explain it scientifically, but I know it's real."

"Look at the beauty and complexity of the world—there has to be a creator behind it."

Others are more skeptical, challenging the idea of a higher power:

"If there was a God, why would there be so much suffering in the world?"

"I used to believe, but the more I learned about science and history, the less sense religion made to me."

And some callers are still searching:

"I'm not sure what I believe anymore, but I’d like to think there’s something bigger than us."

It’s a lively, thought-provoking discussion filled with honesty, debate, and moments of reflection—inviting listeners to question their own beliefs, wherever they stand.

On today’s show, Niall hears from a heartbroken wife struggling with a heartbreaking dilemma. After years of trying for a baby, her husband was diagnosed as infertile. She wants to pursue sperm donation and experience pregnancy, but he insists on adoption — saying he couldn’t love a child that wasn’t biologically his.

Callers join the conversation to share their own experiences, opinions, and advice. Should she follow her dream of pregnancy or respect her husband’s wishes to adopt? Can their marriage survive this divide, or is this a choice that could break them apart?

A powerful and emotional discussion on love, parenthood, and what really makes a family.