The Agenda

Plans for the proposed Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway are facing renewed opposition, with 87 per cent of submissions to the latest public consultation objecting to the project.Louth County Council has published its preferred route corridor, but concerns remain over the impact on farmland, local homes, privacy and the future of rural communities.Some residents also fear the use of compulsory purchase orders if landowners refuse to voluntarily provide land for the development.Sinn Féin Councillor Antoin Watters says the proposals risk creating divisions between neighbours, warning that many landowners will be reluctant to give up their land for the development, and Councillor Watters joined us on The Agenda this morning discuss the latest plans, the strength of local opposition and whether the Greenway can move forward without further dividing the community.

A Meath County Councillor has called for an urgent fire safety audit of all emergency accommodation facilities housing homeless families and individuals across the county.Councillor Alan Lawes attempted to bring an emergency motion before the Council at its November meeting, also calling for confirmation that appropriate insurance cover is in place.He raised particular concerns about one property in Meath where 25 people, including nine family units, are reportedly living in a five-bedroom house and two outdoor cabins.Councillors were asked to vote on whether the motion could be added to the meeting agenda for discussion, and Councillor Alan Lawes joined us on The Agenda this morning to explain his concerns and why he believes urgent action is needed to ensure residents' safety.

Dublin city centre is set for significant disruption next week as Gardaí prepare for the largest security operation in the history of the State.The operation will run from Tuesday morning until Friday, as European leaders arrive in the capital for meetings linked to Ireland's EU Presidency.Security cordons will be put in place around key locations, including the Convention Centre and National Gallery, with a number of road closures and disruption to Luas and bus services expected.Gardaí say weeks of extensive planning have gone into the operation, which will involve a major policing presence across the city.So, what can the public expect, how will the restrictions affect commuters and businesses, and what does hosting these European leaders mean for Ireland?Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence and Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this.

New research from the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors has found that 45% of people in the Republic of Ireland whose physical or mental health was affected by the Troubles continue to experience those effects today.The findings highlight the lasting impact of the conflict on victims and survivors, with many continuing to live with the physical and psychological consequences decades later.The research also shines a light on the ongoing challenges facing those affected, and the importance of recognising their experiences and ensuring they have access to appropriate support.It raises questions about how the needs of victims and survivors are being addressed, and what more can be done to support those still living with the legacy of the Troubles, and Joe McVey, Commissioner for Victims and Survivors in Northern Ireland, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the research and its findings.

A man from County Louth has been found not guilty of murdering his mother, father and brother, but guilty of their manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.Robert O'Connor, 32, admitted causing the deaths of Louise, Mark and Evan O'Connor at their family home in September last year. The trial centred on his mental state at the time of the attacks and whether he was legally responsible for his actions. The jury returned unanimous verdicts following a trial which heard harrowing evidence about the deaths of all three family members.We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney, who has been covering the trial from the beginning, to talk us through the verdicts and what happens next.

Plans for a new camper van park at the Navvy Bank in Dundalk have sparked considerable debate, with concerns raised by local residents over the future use of the site.Louth County Council’s proposals include serviced campervan facilities, a playground, mini-golf, public toilets and additional parking. However, more than 100 submissions were received during the public consultation, with many objecting to the loss of community recreational and sporting space.The proposals came before councillors yesterday, with some local representatives voicing opposition to the development. Questions have also been raised about whether the plans reflect the needs and wishes of the wider Dundalk community.Green Party Councillor for Dundalk, Marianne Butler, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the vote, the reaction locally and what she believes should happen next.

Demand for services supporting women experiencing addiction and homelessness has risen by 55 per cent, according to Merchants Quay Ireland.The charity says 255 women accessed Jane's Place, its Dublin city drop-in service, last year. It also recorded more than 183,000 engagements nationally in 2025, an increase of almost 30 per cent on the previous year.The figures highlight the growing demand for support among vulnerable women and the increasing pressure on frontline services.Chief Executive Eddie Mullins says the scale of demand is stark and that more resources are needed to meet the growing need.Eddie Mullins joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the figures and what more needs to be done.

The NSPCA is calling on the Government to end public funding for greyhound racing, arguing that the money should instead be redirected towards animal welfare and rescue services.The organisation says taxpayer support for the industry is difficult to justify amid ongoing concerns about injuries and deaths among racing dogs.Research commissioned by the NSPCA found that 64 per cent of people surveyed opposed public funding for greyhound racing, while 67 per cent supported a gradual phase-out of the industry.The charity is now urging the Government to make animal welfare a priority as it develops its new Animal Welfare Strategy.The NSPCA's Director of Advocacy, Conor Dowling, joined us on The Agenda this morning to explain why the organisation believes change is needed.

The US midterm elections have delivered a major setback for President Donald Trump, with Democrats winning control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives following a series of surprise victories in traditionally Republican states.Democrats made significant gains in Texas, Kansas, Ohio and South Carolina, with voters expressing frustration over the cost of living, the war with Iran and the direction of the Trump administration.The results could have major implications for President Trump's remaining two years in office.Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the results and what they mean for American politics.