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From Garden Cabins to Attic Conversions - New Home Renovation Regulations Explained - 16/07/2026
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Long-awaited changes to planning rules could make it much easier for homeowners to adapt their properties, with proposals to exempt a range of works from planning permission.
The plans include garden accommodation, the subdivision of homes into two units, as well as roof lights, external insulation, and bike and bin storage.
The proposals, which have been brought before the Oireachtas, are aimed at reducing bureaucracy and making it easier for people to modify their homes without going through the planning process.
One of the most significant changes would allow homeowners to divide a single house into two self-contained units without planning permission, subject to certain conditions.
Minister of State for Housing John Cummins joined us on The Agenda this morning to explain what's changing, why these reforms are being introduced, and what they could mean for homeowners across the country.
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Louth Solicitor Warns Legal Aid Dispute Is Reaching Breaking Point - 16/07/2026
05:51|Last week on the programme we spoke to Drogheda criminal solicitor Paddy Goodwin about the growing dispute over the Government's new flat-fee criminal legal aid scheme and the concerns it could have for access to justice and the operation of the courts.Since then, the dispute has continued to escalate. Solicitors from across Ireland travelled to Leinster House yesterday to meet with their local Oireachtas representatives to outline the impact they say the new payment model is having, while earlier this week Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan made it clear he would not reverse the decision to introduce the €520 flat fee for criminal legal aid cases.Paddy Goodwin joined us on The Agenda this morning to give us the latest on the ongoing situation and to tell us about how things went yesterday at Leinster House.
Dundalks Cú Chulainn Site Faces Battle Over Proposed 1000-Home Development - 16/07/2026
08:41|One of Dundalk's most significant historic sites is at the centre of a growing heritage debate, with An Taisce calling on the Government to grant special protection status to Dún Dealgan, Castletown – better known locally as Cú Chulainn's Castle.The environmental and heritage organisation says a proposed large-scale residential development of more than 1,000 homes planned nearby could have a serious impact on the setting and character of the ancient monuments and surrounding historic landscape. Dún Dealgan is widely associated with the legendary warrior Cú Chulainn and includes a Norman motte built on the site of an earlier Gaelic settlement. An Taisce is now urging Heritage Minister Christopher O'Sullivan to intervene by granting the site Special Protection status before any development proceeds.We heard more about all of this on The Agenda this morning
Trim Mum’s Fight for Her Non-Verbal Autistic Daughter Sparks Protest - 16/07/2026
16:40|A Trim mum says she has been pushed to breaking point after years of fighting for vital supports for her non-verbal autistic daughter. Now, after what she describes as a desperate battle to access services and secure ongoing care, Mandy is taking her fight to the streets.Mandy says her daughter Jade’s story is just one of many, with families across Meath facing long waiting lists, staff shortages and a lack of essential supports. This Saturday, she is bringing families together for a protest in Trim, calling for urgent action and asking those in power to finally listen.Mandy joined us on The Agenda this morning.
Pressure Mounts for Johnstown Station as Navan Rail Consultation Nears End - 16/07/2026
05:56|The public consultation on the proposed Navan Rail Line is entering its final days, with submissions closing this Friday following a two-week extension. The project has been described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform public transport in Meath, but there are calls to ensure the final plans meet both current and future demand.We heard more about this on The Agenda this morning.
Ukraine Refugee Protections Extended in Ireland as War Continues - 16/07/2026
07:42|The Government is preparing to extend temporary protection for thousands of Ukrainians living in Ireland, with Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan indicating the scheme could now remain in place until March 2028.The Temporary Protection Directive, introduced following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, allows those fleeing the war to live, work and study in Ireland. While the protections had been due to expire in 2027, discussions at EU level suggest member states are ready to extend the framework for a further year as the conflict continues with no clear end in sight.The Ukraine Civil Society Forum has welcomed the move, saying it provides much-needed certainty for people who have already endured immense hardship. Welcoming the news, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.
Overnight Vandalism in Slane Ahead of Concert Weekend Leaves Locals Shocked - 15/07/2026
08:13|With thousands of fans expected to descend on Slane this weekend for the Luke Combs concerts, concerns are growing after a night of anti-social behaviour in the village. Barriers erected as part of the traffic and crowd management plan were pulled down overnight, a life buoy was destroyed, and a number of plant pots in the village were vandalised.The damage comes as Slane puts the finishing touches to preparations for one of the biggest music events of the year. We heard more about this on The Agenda this morning.
Millions of Taxpayers Money Spent on Deportation Flights as New Figures Emerge - 15/07/2026
08:49|The cost of deportation operations in Ireland has reached almost €4 million, according to new figures provided to the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee. The figures show that 377 failed asylum seekers have been deported on 10 flights since February 2025, with the average cost coming in at more than €10,000 per person.The breakdown of costs includes thousands spent on additional expenses such as emergency landing fees and aircraft services, while almost 1,000 members of An Garda Síochána have accompanied returnees on the flights. The figures do not include the cost of Garda escorts, meaning the overall expense of these operations is higher.We heard more about this on The Agenda this morning
"Parents Should be Fined for Teens Misuse of E-Scooters", Says Meath-East TD - 15/07/2026
13:17|The Taoiseach has said he is “leaning towards” a complete ban on e-scooters, as concerns continue to grow over their misuse alongside scrambler bikes.The comments came during a Dáil debate, where Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called for stronger action, including better regulation, registration and more resources for Gardaí to deal with anti-social behaviour involving the vehicles.Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Transport Minister Seán Canney is looking at all options, including tighter rules or an outright ban.Aontú leader and Meath-West TD Peadar Tóibín has called for greater parental responsibility, saying fines should be considered where children are misusing e-scooters. Deputy Toibin joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this, and we also discussed his concerns over Ireland’s water infrastructure as Meath enters a six-week hosepipe ban