The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by Paul Lawless to discuss a controversial move by the Government that has sparked fierce debate across the country.
Plans are underway to introduce legislation that would remove the public’s right to object to planning when it comes to housing asylum seekers and refugees. At the same time, it has emerged that the Government intends to fast-track the construction of six large scale IPAS centres, potentially without going through the usual planning permission process.
Supporters of the move argue the Government has no choice. With accommodation shortages already stretched to the limit, they say without urgent action, thousands could end up back in tents on the streets, particularly along areas like the Grand Canal. From this perspective, fast tracking projects and removing delays is about providing basic shelter and dealing with a humanitarian crisis.
But critics see it very differently.
They argue this is a serious erosion of democratic rights, removing the ability of local communities to have a say in developments in their own areas. Some are asking whether this sets a dangerous precedent — if the Government can bypass planning laws in one area, what’s to stop it happening elsewhere?
So Niall is asking listeners:
Are the Government right to act quickly, even if it means removing the right to object?
Or is this a step too far, undermining democracy and local accountability?
Is this about compassion and urgency… or control and overreach?
📞 Join the conversation and have your say.

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by journalist Laura Perrins to tackle a debate that goes right to the heart of Irish education: is it time to remove religion from public schools altogether?
The discussion follows comments from Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins, who criticised what she described as a “fundamentally flawed” system, where some children are left sitting at the back of the classroom while others prepare for sacraments like Communion and Confirmation. Her remarks have reignited calls for a clearer separation between church and state in Irish education.
Ireland’s school system has long had strong religious roots, with many primary schools still under Catholic patronage. While some parents value this tradition, others argue it no longer reflects a modern, diverse society. Surveys in recent years have shown growing support among parents for more inclusive, multi-denominational or non-religious education options, particularly in urban areas.
So where should the line be drawn?
Should religion be removed entirely from public schools to ensure equality for all children?
Or does religion still have an important role in education and Irish identity?
Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners:
Do you agree with separating education and religion?
Should schools be fully secular?
Or are we at risk of losing something important?
📞 Join the conversation and have your say.

A continuation of todayys topic in Part Two of the podcast
On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by Paul Lawless to discuss a controversial move by the Government that has sparked fierce debate across the country.
Plans are underway to introduce legislation that would remove the public’s right to object to planning when it comes to housing asylum seekers and refugees. At the same time, it has emerged that the Government intends to fast-track the construction of six large scale IPAS centres, potentially without going through the usual planning permission process.
Supporters of the move argue the Government has no choice. With accommodation shortages already stretched to the limit, they say without urgent action, thousands could end up back in tents on the streets, particularly along areas like the Grand Canal. From this perspective, fast tracking projects and removing delays is about providing basic shelter and dealing with a humanitarian crisis.
But critics see it very differently.
They argue this is a serious erosion of democratic rights, removing the ability of local communities to have a say in developments in their own areas. Some are asking whether this sets a dangerous precedent — if the Government can bypass planning laws in one area, what’s to stop it happening elsewhere?
So Niall is asking listeners:
Are the Government right to act quickly, even if it means removing the right to object?
Or is this a step too far, undermining democracy and local accountability?

On today’s episode, Niall is joined by John McGuirk, editor of Gript Media, for a hard-hitting discussion on the rising cost of living and the public’s reaction, or lack of it.
With property taxes increasing, health insurance premiums climbing, and fuel prices surging dramatically in recent weeks, many households are feeling the squeeze like never before. Energy costs are expected to rise even further, while carbon tax is set to increase again in May. At the same time, everyday essentials such as food, broadband, and basic services continue to climb well beyond wage growth.
Housing remains completely out of reach for many, with rents soaring and home ownership becoming an impossible dream for younger generations and those not already on the property ladder.
So why are people putting up with it?
Niall asks the question many are thinking but few are saying out loud: why are we allowing ourselves to be pushed to the brink financially without protest? Have we become too comfortable, too distracted, or simply too worn down to fight back?
As governments continue to commit billions abroad, is there a growing sense that ordinary people are being left behind at home?
This is a passionate and provocative conversation that challenges listeners to reflect on where they stand and whether silence is part of the problem.
Do you think people have become too passive, or is there more going on beneath the surface?

On today’s episode, Niall opens the lines to callers after a flood of messages sparked by yesterday’s discussion on the upcoming Artemis II mission. What should have been a celebration of human achievement quickly turned into something else, with many listeners insisting we never went to the Moon in the first place.
So why do conspiracy theories hold such a grip on people?
Niall dives into the world of conspiracies, hearing from callers who firmly believe, strongly doubt, or simply enjoy questioning the official version of events. From the long-debated Apollo 11 Moon landing “hoax” theory, to the enduring mystery surrounding the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, people continue to challenge what they’re told.
The show also explores theories around the September 11 attacks, with some claiming hidden truths behind the official narrative, and the persistent belief that Elvis Presley faked his own death and is still alive. Then there’s the idea that governments, particularly in the U.S., have secretly recovered and studied alien life, something often linked to places like Area 51.
Niall also touches on the tragic death of Princess Diana, where theories range from a simple accident to something far more sinister involving powerful institutions.
But beyond the theories themselves, the real question is this: why are so many people drawn to them? Is it a lack of trust in authority, unanswered questions, or just human curiosity?
This episode is packed with fascinating, controversial, and sometimes unbelievable perspectives from listeners on what they believe, and why.
Do you believe everything you’re told, or do you think there’s more going on behind the scenes?