Behind the Story

Over the weekend, a huge fire broke out in the Tycor area of Waterford. Dozens of businesses have been destroyed and government is promising an emergency aid package for those affected. Damien Tiernan joins Fran and Sharon, he describes the importance of the premises and why it will take months to rebuild/relocate companies.
Later, Associate Professor of Politics at Keele University, Dr Kathryn Simpson discusses UK PM Keir Starmer's speech and whether he has done enough to halt the calls for him to resign following Labour's local election loses.

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As restrictions around the number of car parking spaces allowed in new developments increasingly come into play, rows are breaking out between householders over parking. With limited or no public transport in some areas, people are parking cars in other estates.
Dr Lorraine D'arcy of TU Dublin joins Fran and Eamon to discuss parking and why parents are struggling to get kids to matches and training. Lorraine also reveals a little known fact about bus shelters!!

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An independent review into the death of Katie Simpson found 'institutional misogyny' at the centre of failings by the PSNI to investigate her murder. In August 2020, the 21 year old showjumper was admitted to hospital, police initially treated her death as suicide however, seven months later, her sister's partner, Jonathan Creswell was arrested on suspicion of murder. He later took his own life, one day after his trial began.
Journalist, Tanya Fowles knew Katie, she had previously encountered Creswell through her court reporting. She flagged his background of assault to the police but it fell on deaf ears. Tanya joins Fran and Paul to discuss the case and why she believes there is more to uncover in this case.

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Many people enjoy trekking hills and mountains on bank holiday weekends but the majority of the country's uplands are in very poor state. A recent report revealed that 90% of our protected habitats are in an 'unfavourable' condition.
Ecologist Pádraic Fogarty joins Fran for a conversation about what can be done to improve nature on the country's hillsides and he shares his favourite spots in the country for a hike.

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A war of words has broken out between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump, with Trump threatening to withdraw US troops from some European countries. Shona Murray of Euronews joins Fran to explain the background to the row and why it's not likely troops would withdraw any time soon.
Later, Professor of Ecclesiology, Massimo Faggioli of TCD discusses the different strands of Christianity influencing the White House and how the intervention of Pope Leo recently was a defining moment for the Papacy.

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