The Agenda

Ciaran Mullooly MEP has welcomed the move by the French and Italian Governments to defer the vote on the EU–Mercosur trade agreement, which had been scheduled to take place in Strasbourg this week.Following months of consultations with French and Italian MEPs on the significant dangers associated with the Mercosur trade agreement, a coalition of like-minded, anti-Mercosur countries has indicated that it formally requested a deferral of the vote in Strasbourg.Mr Mullooly said he strongly welcomes this development and hopes that the postponement will allow for further negotiations, greater clarity, and a genuine recognition of the serious concerns held by Irish and European farmers, including those in Ireland, France and Italy, in relation to the trade agreement.He added that food safety and traceability concerns will also need to be fully addressed in the coming weeks, particularly in light of differing production standards between the EU and Mercosur countries.Ciaran Mulooly joinsed us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. 

A more fractious than usual environment is expected in Dáil Éireann today when People Before Profit-Solidarity Deputy Ruth Coppinger seeks support for her bill to ban fox hunting under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (2013).If passed, it would make fox hunting an illegal and unlawful activity in Ireland that would also extend to the snaring and trapping of foxes.Deputy Coppinger described fox hunting as inhumane and archaic – a view strongly opposed by hunt clubs and advocates for rural pursuits.She called on the Taoiseach and party leaders to allow a free vote, citing a recent poll where 77 per cent, nationally, support a ban (74 per cent in rural areas).We were joined on The Agenda this morning by animal welfare advocate Martina Kenny from My Lovely Horse Rescue, who told us about why she wants to see fox hunting banned. We were also joined by Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae who, on the opposite end of the scale, said that he wants to see “common sense prevail” and for the bill to be opposed today.

Furious residents are set to appeal the decision to grant planning permission for five “monstrous” wind turbines in the Monasterboice/Kellystown area of County Louth. Louth County Council gave the go-ahead to energy developers EDF last week, but the project looks set to be delayed for at least a year or more while local householders take their fight to the new Planning Commission, An Coimisiún Pleanála.About 1,200 people live within two kilometres of where the controversial 180-metre-tall windmills are to be built. The Heritage Council has also objected amid fears the turbines will damage the picturesque and historic landscape of the Boyne Valley.Spokesperson for the Kellystown/Monasterboice Wind Action Group, Ray Donagh, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

The shocking terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia was condemned as a “devastating act of violence” at the December meeting of Louth County Council.Cllr. Michelle Hall spoke on behalf of Labour councillors on Louth County Council when she expressed sympathy and condolences to those affected by the mass shooting on Sunday evening in Sydney.At least sixteen people were killed, and many more injured, when two shooters opened fire at a Jewish holiday event taking place on the world famous beach.Councillor Hall said her own daughter is currently in Australia, and for many people with relatives or friends who are on Bondi Beach regularly, she added they were “fearful” that their loved ones were caught up in the shootingCouncillor Hall joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. We also spoke about her calls for the lifting of the toll for those using the M1 to access the town, after it emerged that Louth County Council is facing a major funding shortfall for key Active Travel Pathfinder projects.

In a year marked by economic uncertainty, international conflict and an accelerating pace of global change, international and national crises are sources of increasing concern to Irish people, new survey findings have revealed. According to the 2025 Annual Attitudes to Mental Health and Stigma Survey published by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, almost half of respondents (48%) say international conflict, such as the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, is of greatest concern to them as a societal challenge, while economic concerns, housing concerns and climate change are all noted as issues influencing mental health and wellbeing. Against the backdrop of these findings, St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, Ireland’s largest independent mental health service, is reminding everyone of the importance of seeking support for their mental health as we navigate these challenging times. We were joined on The Agenda this morning by CEO of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, Paul Gilligan, who told us more about this survey and its findings. 

Louth Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly has said that cabinet approval to publish the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025 is a major step in improving the technology available for the Gardaí.Deputy Butterly said:“Gardaí can often be left spending countless hours searching through videos or CCTV searching for evidence.“We want to equip An Garda Siochana with the technology they need to tackle crime and we need to be constantly looking to upgrade and improve what’s available. This technology will significantly improve efficiency and ensure Gardaí can progress a case faster”. Deputy Butterly joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. 

Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Darren O’Rourke, alongside party representatives from across County Meath, last week met with officials from the National Transport Authority (NTA) to confront the escalating transport crisis facing the county’s growing population.The meeting, held at Leinster House, covered a comprehensive list of deficits and required interventions across all modes of public and active travel.We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Sinn Fein TD for Meath-East Darren O'Rourke, who told us about the key issues that were raised by the delegation.

A flurry of new social housing will be advertised on Louth County Council’s letting portal ‘CBL’ in the run up to Christmas, it emerged this week.Dundalk councillors were provided with an update on the units coming on stream across the county in the final weeks of 2025.These include Approved Housing Body (AHB) developments in both Dundalk and Drogheda.Councillor Kevin Meenan told the meeting councillors had welcomed an email from the Director of Services, Ger Murphy, outlining the upcoming schemes.Councillor Meenan joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this