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“Ghost Buses” Set to Be Tackled as Improvements Promised on Meath Bus Routes - 18/09/2026
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There could be improvements on the 103, 105 and 109 bus routes serving Ashbourne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin, following a meeting between local Independent TD Gillian Toole, Bus Éireann, the National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport Canney.
Deputy Toole says she was given an update on the ongoing problems with cancelled and so-called ‘ghost’ buses, with faulty vehicles and scheduled maintenance among the reasons for services not operating as planned.
She says more spare parts are now becoming available, a third emergency contractor is being brought in, and additional buses are due to be purchased.
There are also plans for a review of the Eastern bus corridor, with a public consultation expected before the end of the year, while a trial bus link to the M3 Parkway railway station is also imminent.
Deputy Toole joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about the meeting and what commuters can expect over the coming months.
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TDs & Ministers Install Cameras and Panic Buttons Amid Rise in Harassment – 18/09/2026
08:35|A government minister was sent an anonymous letter threatening that they would “receive a bullet through the head” — but the sender has never been traced by gardaí.The threat is one of a number of serious incidents involving members of the Oireachtas, revealed as part of an investigation into the abuse and harassment being experienced by politicians.It comes as Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae recovers in hospital after being assaulted through the window of his car in Dublin this week. Several TDs are now increasing security at their homes and constituency offices, with some installing cameras and panic buttons.Wicklow-Wexford Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne says politicians want to remain accessible to the public, but a “vocal and dangerous minority” is making that increasingly difficult.Deputy Byrne joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk about this some more.
GRA Calls for Independent Tribunal into Handling of Garda Whistleblower Disclosures - 18/08/2026
10:41|The Garda Representative Association is calling for an independent statutory tribunal to examine how protected disclosures are being handled within An Garda Síochána.It follows claims that the force’s Protected Disclosures Policy is not being properly adhered to, along with allegations reported by RTÉ that Garda whistleblowers believe senior management attempted to stifle reforms introduced following the treatment of Maurice McCabe.The GRA says an independent examination is needed to establish how protected disclosures are dealt with and whether current procedures are working effectively.Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Matt Carthy says the Justice Minister must reassure the public that allegations of wrongdoing within the Gardaí are being properly investigated and addressed.Deputy Matt Carthy joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the concerns being raised.
Trump Threatens EU Tariffs as Canada’s Closer Ties With Europe Raise Tensions - 17/09/2026
12:14|he could impose serious tariffs on Europe, or even halt trade in certain areas, if he considers the EU’s plans for closer ties with Canada to be a “hostile act”.The warning follows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s suggestion that Canada could become an associate member of the EU, as Canada looks to strengthen its economic and security relationship with Europe.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, with the changing relationship between Canada, Europe and the US firmly in focus.What could this mean for EU-US relations, and could Ireland and Irish businesses feel the impact of another trade dispute?Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us about it.
‘Unacceptable risk’ for North Louth Residents Along N53 With No Footpath - 17/09/2026
04:39|Pedestrians and cyclists are being put at an “unacceptable risk” along the N53 at Newtownbalregan, according to Dundalk councillor Sean Kelly.The stretch of road, between the M1 Junction 17 interchange and the cul-de-sac at Newtownbalregan, has no footpath or hard shoulder, meaning residents are forced to walk or cycle alongside what is an increasingly busy national road.Councillor Kelly says the issue has been a serious and ongoing concern for local residents for years, particularly for children, older people and those accessing nearby homes and amenities.He is calling for Louth County Council to arrange an on-site meeting with the National Transport Authority to assess the situation and look at what can be done to provide a safe pedestrian route.Councillor Kelly joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.
Assault on Michael Healy-Rae Increases Fears Over TD Safety - 17/09/2026
09:38|Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae was released from hospital on Wednesday evening after being assaulted in Dublin city centre.The attack, which happened while he was sitting in his car near the Coombe Hospital, has been widely condemned by politicians across the political spectrum. Gardaí believe the incident was spontaneous and have said there is no indication that the attacker was connected to any protest group.The incident has also raised wider questions about the safety and security of public representatives, and whether TDs and councillors are increasingly vulnerable when carrying out their work in public.We’re joined on The Agenda this morning by Independent TD Mattie McGrath, who has condemned the attack, and we’ll also be discussing the wider issue of safety and security for politicians in Ireland.
‘I Felt Sick’: Woman Warns of €850 Scam Targeting Hotel Bookings - 16/09/2026
13:43|A woman who lost €850 in a sophisticated online scam is warning others to be on their guard after fraudsters posing as Booking.com appeared to know the details of a genuine hotel reservation she had made.The scammers convinced her they were processing a refund, but instead of money coming into her account, €850 was taken out — with several further attempts reportedly made to take even more.She says the experience has left her feeling physically sick, particularly because the scammers were so convincing.But how did they know the details of her genuine booking, and just how easy is it to fall victim to a scam like this?We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Rhona Cullinan to tell us more.
Louth Senator Raises Vape Shops and Motorway Tolls with Taoiseach at Fianna Fáil ‘Think-In’ - 16/09/2026
11:08|The growing number of vape shops appearing across Drogheda town centre has been raised directly with the Taoiseach.Senator Alison Comyn says urgent action is needed to address what she describes as both a planning and public health issue, particularly where vaping products are being sold alongside sweets and brightly coloured displays that could appeal to younger people.She says the rapid increase in these outlets is changing the look and feel of town centres and is concerned that some businesses may be deliberately targeting younger customers.Senator Comyn has called for stronger planning measures to restrict the proliferation of vape shops in urban areas and says the Government needs to take action before the problem becomes even more widespread, and Senator Comyn joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more.
Family of Balbriggan Man Killed by Partner Call for Killer to be Deported After Her Release from Prison - 16/09/2026
08:43|The family of James ‘Shey’ Ryan is speaking out as the woman jailed over his death is due to be released from prison next week.Olesja Hertova was sentenced to two years and nine months for the manslaughter of her partner of 17 years, after pleading guilty to the charge.The sentence was backdated to August 2024, meaning she is due to be released less than two years after Mr Ryan’s death.The court heard Hertova pushed Mr Ryan forcefully outside their home in Balbriggan, causing him to fall and suffer catastrophic head injuries. He later died in Beaumont Hospital.His family have strongly criticised the sentence and are now calling for Hertova, who is originally from the Czech Republic, to be deported following her release.James’ daughter Karen joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us about the family’s reaction and their calls for action.