The Agenda

A Louth woman is sharing her experience after being clamped in the car park at Beaumont Hospital, despite displaying her valid disabled parking permit.Charlene Carr contacted The Agenda to explain how she was charged €100 to have her car released, despite having her Blue Badge clearly displayed. She also described difficulties communicating with the attendant who came to deal with the situation.Charlene says the experience has raised serious concerns about how drivers with disabilities are being treated, particularly when accessible parking is essential due to limited mobility. She believes having a Blue Badge should provide reassurance and protection, rather than leaving people facing additional stress and unexpected costs.Charlene joined us on The Agenda this morning to share her experience and explain why she feels the situation needs to be addressed.

More than eight in ten people in Ireland support a lifetime ban on tobacco sales to future generations, according to new research from the Irish Heart Foundation.The findings suggest strong public backing for tougher measures to prevent young people from taking up smoking and protect future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.The proposal would mean introducing restrictions on tobacco sales based on a person's year of birth, meaning future generations would never legally be able to purchase cigarettes.Mark Murphy, Interim Director of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about the research and what changes they would like to see.

Two thirds of racing greyhounds born between 2021 and 2024 have since died, according to figures presented to an Oireachtas committee.Rásaíocht Con Éireann told the Public Accounts Committee that 8,414 of the 12,766 dogs born during that period are now recorded as dead on its traceability system.The figures prompted questions from People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy about greyhound welfare and the reasons so many dogs are dying at a relatively young age.The organisation's CEO Tim Lucey defended its welfare programme but said the system does not record the reasons for individual deaths.Deputy Paul Murphy joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the figures and the questions raised at the committee.

The Dáil is set to debate making spiking a standalone criminal offence, with the proposed legislation carrying a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.A Bill aimed at tackling spiking was first introduced three years ago but has yet to receive a full debate in the Dáil.Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty says a petition signed by attendees at Electric Picnic helped bring renewed attention to the issue and push the legislation back into the spotlight.Spiking remains a serious concern, particularly around nightlife and social events, with calls for stronger protections and greater accountability for those responsible.Regina Doherty joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the proposed law, why it has taken so long to reach this stage and what it could mean for victims of spiking.

A major update is expected on the long-awaited Navan rail line, with an announcement imminent on the future of the project.The proposed rail link has been a major issue for commuters and communities in Meath, with many waiting for progress on bringing rail services back to Navan.This morning on The Agenda we spoke to Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence and Meath East Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne, who joined us live from Dublin, where European leaders are gathering for the European Political Community summit.We discuss the expected Navan rail announcement, what it could mean for the county and the latest developments from Ireland’s biggest-ever diplomatic event.

Concerns have been raised over delays in wastewater treatment infrastructure in Dundalk, with Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú warning that inadequate capacity is holding back housing and future industrial development.The Sinn Féin TD raised the issue directly with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil, highlighting ongoing flooding concerns in areas including Bay Estate and Cluan Enda.He says major infrastructure projects, including the Coes Road pumping station and Point Road treatment plant, have been pushed back, with some completion dates now delayed until 2034.The Taoiseach has said he will raise the matter with Uisce Éireann and the Office of Public Works.Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the ongoing concerns and the need for long-term solutions.

Willow Domestic Abuse Services is appealing to the people of Meath to support its 2026 Christmas Appeal, raising vital funds to continue supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse across the county.Last year, 188 women and children stayed in refuge, while the organisation answered more than 1,600 calls to its 24-hour helpline. Willow supports over 700 women and children every year, providing refuge, counselling and support services.The appeal has been launched alongside Credit Union Plus's annual Christmas raffle, with all proceeds going directly towards the charity's work.Christmas can be an especially difficult time for those experiencing domestic abuse, and the organisation is reminding anyone affected that help and support are available.Emily Maguire, Communications and Development Manager with Willow Domestic Abuse Services, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about the appeal and how the community can get involved.

A deadly shooting in the historic centre of Kraków in Poland last Saturday has left at least six people dead and 15 others injured.The attack happened when a gunman opened fire on passers-by near the city's medieval market square, one of Poland's most popular tourist attractions.Among those killed were British and Austrian nationals, while two police officers were also injured. The 24-year-old suspect was later detained following a shootout with police but died in hospital on Monday.Polish authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack, with investigators examining reports that the gunman was influenced by far-right ideology.Dundalk woman Ciara Larkin was in Kraków when the shooting unfolded last Saturday, and she joins us on The Agenda this morning to tell us about her experience.