The Agenda

There has been shock and anger in Dunboyne following an act of vandalism at the town’s community playground over the Halloween weekend.Equipment designed specifically for younger children and children with additional needs was set on fire, leaving a specially designed play tunnel destroyed.The Dunboyne Playspace Forum says the damage is a devastating loss for the entire community, particularly for the children who use the inclusive facility, which opened in 2023.The playground was developed through a community-led initiative and provides an important recreational space for local families.Local Fine Gael Councillor Maria Murphy has described the incident as “soul destroying” and joins us on the line now to discuss the damage and the impact on the local community, and she joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

Drogheda Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne has welcomed significant improvements at Drogheda Ambulance Station following a programme of remedial works.The upgrades include a new roof, bathroom, flooring, water system and drug storage room, as well as improved CCTV and kitchen facilities.Deputy Byrne says the improvements are a major step forward from the conditions she witnessed during her first visit to the station in 2025, when she raised concerns about the working environment for paramedics.However, she says the need for a new purpose-built ambulance station remains a priority. Work is also progressing on a dedicated reflective room to give paramedics a quiet space following traumatic incidents.Deputy Byrne joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the improvements and what more is needed for Drogheda’s ambulance service.We also heard about President Catherine Connolly's visit to Drogheda on Monday.

Researchers are calling for a ban on low-cost scratchcards in Ireland, warning that their easy availability could be putting both children and adults at risk of developing gambling problems.A new study involving researchers from four Irish universities is proposing a series of measures to tackle gambling harm, including restricting advertising, introducing health warnings on scratchcards and betting slips, and raising the minimum gambling age to 21.The researchers say there are serious concerns about how easily children can access lottery products, with previous test purchasing research finding that almost 30% of retailers were willing to sell lottery products to underage customers.Lead author of the research, Dr Frank Houghton from the Technological University of the Shannon, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the proposals and the growing concerns around gambling addiction in Ireland.

Commuters using the 103 bus route between Ratoath, Ashbourne and Dublin are facing growing disruption, with new figures revealing a significant deterioration in the service during 2026.Figures supplied by Bus Éireann show that the percentage of scheduled kilometres lost on the route has jumped from 1.4% last year to 11.5% this year, more than eight times higher.Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke says the figures highlight serious problems with reliability and overcrowding, with passengers facing longer waits, missed connections and buses operating at capacity.He is now calling for urgent improvements, including a review of services to ensure they keep pace with the growing populations of Ratoath and Ashbourne.Deputy O’Rourke joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the problems facing commuters and what needs to change.

Migrant workers, families and supporters gathered outside Leinster House yesterday to protest against proposed changes to Irish citizenship laws, which campaigners say would make it much harder for migrants to become Irish citizens.The Government’s proposed legislation includes increasing the residency requirement from five to eight years, introducing income and language tests, and restricting citizenship for those who have received certain social welfare payments or housing supports.The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland says the proposals are unfair and would penalise people who make a vital contribution to Irish society. The organisation is calling for the Bill to be withdrawn in full.Neil Bruton, Director of MRCI, joined us on The Agenda this morning to explain why they are opposing the changes and what they could mean for migrant workers and their families.

A new effort is being made to tackle traffic congestion and safety concerns at the Drogheda-Julianstown junction in Duleek, which locals say has become increasingly dangerous due to the volume of traffic using it every day.Senator Sharon Keogan, alongside local Independent councillors, is now calling on Meath County Council to look at ways of improving the junction and making it safer for motorists and pedestrians.The group says local residents and businesses deserve better road infrastructure, and they will be seeking funding for a practical solution.There are growing concerns about the risks posed by the junction, particularly for those using it regularly, and calls for the council to take action before a serious accident occurs.Senator Keoghan joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.Senator Sharon Keogan joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us in more detail about this.

With the US midterm elections approaching, attention is turning to what the results could mean for Donald Trump and the Republican Party.The elections will be an important test of the current administration, with control of Congress at stake and voters set to have their say on a range of key issues, including the economy, immigration and the direction of the country.Could the Republicans face significant losses, and what would that mean for Trump's ability to push ahead with his political agenda?With the stakes high for both parties, the results could have major implications for the remainder of Trump's presidency and the wider political landscape in the United States.We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, to discuss what is at stake and what the midterms could mean for American politics.

Organised drug gangs are continuing to operate across Louth, according to Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú, who has called for a much stronger response from the State.Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Ó Murchú said communities in Dundalk and across Louth are living with the consequences of drug dealing, intimidation, threats and criminal activity.He says while Gardaí are doing important work, more resources are needed to dismantle established criminal networks and protect vulnerable families.Meanwhile, Deputy Ó Murchú is also calling for a clear delivery timetable for ten additional psychiatric beds planned for Drogheda. The HSE has confirmed the proposed extension at Crosslanes remains at the pre-tender approval stage, with no confirmed opening date.He says patients, families and healthcare staff need clarity on when the additional beds will become operational, alongside a clear plan for staffing and funding.Deputy Ó Murchú joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss both issues.

World Vegan Day took place yesterday, November 1st, shining a spotlight on veganism and the growing conversation around plant-based diets, animal welfare and the environment.For some, veganism is a lifestyle choice, while for others it's about making more ethical decisions around food, fashion and everyday living.But how much has public awareness of veganism changed in recent years? Are more people making the switch, and what are the challenges that come with adopting a vegan lifestyle?With growing interest in sustainability and the impact of our food choices, veganism continues to be a topic of conversation across communities.To discuss this further, we were joined on The Agenda this morning by Sandra Higgins, Managing Director of Go Vegan World.