The Agenda

A small number of far-right actors are disproportionately influencing public debate, shaping conversations, and exerting political pressure, a report has revealed.elieve immigrants are contributing to Irish culture and community (66%) and working-class people are struggling due to systemic inequality (75%).“This report tells a very different story than the one we have been fed for the past few years,” said Hope and Courage Collective executive director Edel McGinley.The report suggests far-right mobilisation has evolved across 2024 and 2025 through street activity, online amplification of messages, and “localised intimidation”. Edel McGinley joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this.

Residents of a housing development adjacent to Dundalk Fire Station have raised concerns about potential expansion of the site and the impact it could have on their community, as they called for “meaningful engagement” with Louth County Council.Earlier this month, Louth County Council was allocated €5 million to redevelop Dundalk Fire Station as part of a wider €14 million investment in the county’s fire and rescue services.However, Meadow Grove Residents Association, whose estate adjoins Dundalk Fire Station, have said local people want an “open dialogue” with the local authority before any redevelopment or expansion plans progress.Spokesman Shane Reenan said residents welcomed the investment, describing it as “a very positive and long overdue development” for both the fire service and the wider community.Shane joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

The Government’s decision to withdraw accommodation for Ukrainian refugees is being criticised in the Dail by leader of the Labour Party, Ivana Bacik.The move was agreed earlier this week, with the process beginning in August on a phased basis. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan secured the agreement on Tuesday afternoon at the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs. Ukrainian people who arrived in Ireland before March 2024 will no longer be entitled to State-contracted commercial accommodation, with the exception of “highly vulnerable” people or those with barriers to independence. Currently 16,000 Ukrainian refugees are housed in State-provided accommodation and the withdrawal will begin in August on a phased basis over six months. People affected will be given a minimum of three months’ notice.  We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, who told us more about why she doesn’t agree with what is going to happen.

A major new all-island radiotherapy trial, INSPIRE, will launch this Spring.Sponsored by Cancer Trials Ireland, and supported by the Irish Research Radiation Oncology Group, the study aims to reduce treatment side-effects while maintaining excellent cancer control for men with prostate cancer.With more than 5,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer across the island of Ireland each year, there is a clear need to continue improving treatment and reducing its impact on quality of life. The trial plans to recruit more than 130 patients across Ireland. The INSPIRE trial is for men with localised prostate cancer who are suitable for treatment with Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR).We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Angela Clayton-Lea, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland & Ashbourne native, who told us more about this.We were also joined by Martin Sweeney, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was involved in the design of the trials.

A local councillor says residents of The Belfry estate in Trim have been left "shocked and angered" following a decision to grant planning permission for an 85-home development on an adjacent site.Aontú's Dave Boyne says the proposed development, located off the Athboy Road, has sparked significant concern among residents, neighbouring estates, and local representatives. He says objections centre on road safety, infrastructure capacity, environmental protection, and the long-term impact on quality of life.Meath County Council is being urged to ensure any development is properly planned and supported by adequate infrastructure.Councillor Boyne joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

The judicial review into the Slane Bypass was dismissed by the high court yesterday.The proceedings had been taken by former attorney general John Rogers, who owns land in the area.Planning permission for the project was granted by An Comisiún Pleanála last June but Mr Rogers applied for a legal review of the decision. However yesterday afternoon, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council and Fianna Fail Councillor in Slane, Wayne Harding, confirmed the review had been dismissed saying it was "fantastic news and another huge milestone in the project."The project would see the construction of a 3.5km road around Slane village, including a dual carriageway, as well as a 258m bridge over the River Boyne.Councillor Harding joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

We were joined in-studio on The Agenda this morning by Minister for Foreign Affairs & Meath-East Fine Gael TD, Helen McEntee, who was with us ahead of her visit to Dundalk today.  During our discussion with Minister McEntee this morning we addressed the issue of the lack of school places in Dushaughlin, with local parents becoming increasingly frustrated as they have still not recieved school places for their children in their preferred schools. Many parents are being forced to accept places outside of the Dunshaughlin area. We also discussed the fuel support scheme plan and what that will entail.Minister McEntee also told LMFM that "every effort" is being made to secure the return of two boys who were taken by their father during a family holiday in Egypt four years ago, to their mother in Dundalk.

The Government has agreed to begin withdrawing State-provided accommodation that is currently housing 16,000 Ukrainian refugees.Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan secured the agreement this afternoon at the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs. Ukrainian people who arrived in Ireland before March 2024 will no longer be entitled to state-contracted commercial accommodation, with the exception of “highly vulnerable” people or those with barriers to independence. In order to continue being accommodated, it’s been proposed that people who fall into those categories will be required to apply and self-declare their need for accommodation, supported by evidence. This accommodation will be in a different location and setting and will be similar to designated accommodation centres.The withdrawal will begin in August on a phased basis over six months. People affected will be given a minimum of three months’ notice. We were joined on The Agenda this morning by the National Coordinator at The Ukraine Civil Society Forum, Brian Killoran, to get his thoughts on this.