Share
The Agenda
Irish Men Encountering 'Dizzying' Number of Gambling Ads on Social Media - 28/04/2026
•
Men In Ireland are exposed to a “dizzying” number of advertisements for gambling on social media, new research has suggested.
Researchers from University of Cambridge and Munster Technological University, Cork, said gambling companies are reaching young men, the group most likely to exhibit problem gambling behaviour, on social media at more than double the rate of women.
The researchers looked at 411 advertisements from 88 gambling operators in Ireland, and found that young men reached 2.3 times more than women across Meta platforms — such as Facebook and Instagram — even if the adverts did not directly target young men.
We were joined on The Agenda this morning by journalist Declan Lynch, who also wrote “Tony 10”, which is out now on audiobook, 8 years after original publication… Which highlights how long this problem is going on
In his book, Declan delves into what happened when a former postmaster from Carlow, racked up a €10m turnover in his Paddy Power online account, when he was arrested for stealing €1.75m of his spending from his employers, An Post.
More episodes
View all episodes
Exclusive: Michael Shine Survivor Bravely Opens Up on Decades of Pain and a Moment He Never Thought He’d See - 17/07/2026
29:38|A brave survivor’s powerful story sits at the heart of The Agenda today as Larry Torris spoke openly about the abuse he suffered at the hands of convicted paedophile Michael Shine, and what this long-awaited moment of recognition means for him.Following the Government’s approval of a Commission of Investigation into Shine’s decades-long abuse at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, we heard from Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on what the investigation will involve, Adrienne Reilly of Dignity4Patients on the impact for survivors, and Labour TD for Louth Ged Nash on the importance of truth, justice and accountability.This extremely powerful interview with Larry shines a light on the reality of Shine’s crimes, the devastating impact they have had on survivors, and the lifelong consequences of the abuse endured by so many.
Slane Locals Ready and "Buzzing" for Luke Combs Takeover This Weekend - 17/07/2026
13:43|Slane is ready for a country music takeover as thousands of Luke Combs fans descend on the village for two sold-out shows.This morning on The Agenda, we heard from locals on the excitement, the impact on the community, and got some essential advice for anyone travelling to the concerts this weekend.
Louth in Mourning as Elderly Couple from Cooley Die Following Crash - 17/07/2026
03:47|The Cooley community is coming to terms with a devastating road tragedy after an elderly married couple lost their lives in a two-car collision on the Dundalk to Carlingford Road yesterday afternoon.The crash happened on the R173 at The Bush, near Riverstown, shortly before 3.10pm. The couple, who are understood to be from the Cooley area, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two people travelling in the second vehicle were airlifted to hospitals in Dublin with critical injuries. Gardaí have since reopened the road and are appealing for witnesses as their investigation continues.Local councillor Antoin Watters joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the impact this tragedy has had on the local community.
Aontú Calls for Crackdown on Long-Term Dole Claims - 17/07/2026
08:12|More than 6,300 people have been receiving Jobseeker's Allowance for over a decade, sparking fresh debate about Ireland’s welfare system.Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss calls for tougher rules, possible penalties for long-term claims, and how to balance supporting those in need with encouraging people back into work.
“Life-Changing Injuries”: Calls Grow for Action on E-Scooters - 17/07/2026
09:40|Some children injured in e-scooter accidents may require 24-hour care for the rest of their lives, according to a retired consultant in emergency medicine, as pressure grows on the Government to consider a full ban on the devices.The warning comes as new figures show a rise in children being admitted to hospital following e-scooter incidents. While under-16s are already banned from using them, the Government says it is now seriously considering an outright ban, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying he is leaning towards that option.Retired consultant in emergency medicine, Dr Chris Luke, says families need to understand the potentially devastating consequences of serious e-scooter crashes, with some injuries leaving children with life-changing impacts.Dr Luke joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the risks and whether stricter action is needed.
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.