Today with David McCullagh

Today with David McCullagh

RTÉ Radio 1

221 episodes

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Episodes

Survivors remember Aberfan disaster 60 years on
Oct 15, 2026 · 15m
On the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, survivors Gaynor Madgwick and David Davis recount their harrowing experiences of the 1966 colliery spoil tip collapse that killed 144 people.
Compromise on the EU Budget leads to deep cuts
Oct 15, 2026 · 11m
Minister of State Thomas Byrne discusses Ireland’s role in negotiating the EU’s seven-year budget, emphasizing the need to finalize the multi-year…
The crisis of drug intimidation
Oct 15, 2026 · 11m
This episode addresses the escalating crisis of drug-related intimidation in Ireland, sparked by the fatal arson attack in Waterford.
Garda Social Media Apparent Hack
Oct 15, 2026 · 4m
Garda Síochána's official X accounts were hacked overnight, resulting in the spread of cryptocurrency scam posts to hundreds of thousands of followers.
What's so bad about sugar spikes?
Oct 14, 2026 · 8m
Registered dietitian Aoife Quinn debunks the social media obsession with blood sugar spikes, explaining that post-meal glucose rises are a normal physiological response for healthy individuals.
Life as an Irish Undertaker
Oct 14, 2026 · 14m
Host David McCullagh speaks with three Irish funeral directors—Mary Kniff, Timmy O'Donoghue, and Samantha Slattery—about their daily experiences managing grief and community support.
What vaccinations do I need for winter?
Oct 14, 2026 · 10m
Dr.
How can the strike be resolved?
Oct 14, 2026 · 10m
Over 300,000 public and civil servants strike for 24 hours to demand pay talks amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Has enough been done to avert the strikes?
Oct 14, 2026 · 12m
This episode addresses the ongoing Irish public sector strike, featuring a debate between Fine Gael TD Barry Ward and People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy.
Waterford Housefire: A community in mourning
Oct 14, 2026 · 9m
This episode covers the tragic arson attack in County Waterford that killed four members of the English family, with detectives linking the crime to organized drug-related intimidation.
Strikes shut down the country
Oct 14, 2026 · 16m
This episode covers Ireland's largest public sector strike in 17 years, featuring 300,000 workers demanding better pay amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Chinese EVs Infiltration on the EU
Oct 14, 2026 · 11m
The Paris Motor Show highlights the surge of Chinese car brands in Europe, now holding nearly 10% market share and dominating electric vehicle sales.
House Fire in Waterford
Oct 13, 2026 · 9m
This episode covers the tragic fire at a residence in Waterford City that resulted in the deaths of two adults and two children.
Nationwide Public Sector Strike
Oct 13, 2026 · 11m
A nationwide 24-hour strike by over 300,000 public servants is imminent due to failed pay negotiations.
European Commission responds to British EU overtures
Oct 13, 2026 · 11m
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham advocates for a closer EU relationship, prompting a response from EU Commission Deputy Spokesperson Olaf Gill.
HSE to consider access to weight loss drug Mounjaro
Oct 13, 2026 · 9m
HSE experts are meeting to decide whether to cover the weight-loss drug Monjaro, sparking debate on cost-effectiveness and access.
Rights for nature
Oct 13, 2026 · 6m
Host David McCullagh discusses the European citizens' initiative to grant legal rights to ecosystems with ecologist Donna Mullen.
We talk to some of the lesser-known services on the picket line tomorrow
Oct 13, 2026 · 7m
Hundreds of thousands of public service workers in Ireland are set to strike over pay delays, causing widespread disruption to schools, courts, and medical services.
Scientific predictions for the decade ahead
Oct 13, 2026 · 10m
UCD physicist Dr.
Are house prices finally cooling down?
Oct 13, 2026 · 10m
This episode examines a new myhome.
Nitrous Oxide Addiction
Oct 13, 2026 · 8m
This episode addresses the rising public health crisis of nitrous oxide addiction among Irish youth, with half of 2025 medical cases involving those under 17.
French fridges Cyber Hack
Oct 13, 2026 · 7m
A cyber attack forced temperatures in refrigerators at roughly 500 French supermarket stores to spike, causing massive food waste and financial losses.
How to have a ‘green’ Halloween
Oct 12, 2026 · 10m
Host David McCullagh discusses sustainable Halloween practices with Aaron Murphy and Joe Linehan, focusing on reducing single-use waste.
BOOK: The Irish Soldier book
Oct 12, 2026 · 12m
Professor Thomas Bartlett discusses his edited volume, *The Irish Soldier*, which traces the evolution of Irish military service from the Viking era to modern peacekeeping.
SEAI Q&A
Oct 12, 2026 · 15m
David McCullagh and SEAI’s Brian McIntyre discuss recent changes to Ireland’s home energy efficiency grants, including expanded eligibility for solar panels and batteries.
Ukraine & Russia Energy ceasefire: Is this a breakthrough?
Oct 12, 2026 · 8m
Host David McCullagh discusses the fallout from Donald Trump’s announcement of a Russian energy deal and a purported "energy ceasefire," which…
The politics of protests
Oct 12, 2026 · 8m
This episode examines the rise of street politics in major democracies, featuring guest Graeme Finlay from UCD.
A week of strike action ahead
Oct 12, 2026 · 11m
David McCullagh discusses the upcoming nationwide public sector strike in Ireland with Adrian Cain of SIPTU.
Professional sport: when the game doesn’t pay
Oct 12, 2026 · 12m
This episode examines the financial struggles of Irish elite athletes, noting that top Sport Ireland funding has remained stagnant at €40,000 since 2006.
Concerns about the temporary release of prisoners
Oct 12, 2026 · 15m
This episode examines a surge in Irish temporary prisoner releases, with 1,600 granted in early 2026, raising concerns that the practice is being…
The Gathering
Oct 9, 2026 · 29m
This episode of Today with David McCullagh features Minister Niall Collins and TD Clare Curran debating the impending public sector strikes, with…
Going Gray Gracefully
Oct 9, 2026 · 9m
David McCullagh and journalist Tanya Sweeney discuss the trend of women embracing grey hair, citing Sarah Jessica Parker and Olivia Colman as examples of this shift.
Number of children living in poverty
Oct 9, 2026 · 11m
Dr.
Ripping off the financial plaster: the personal budget checklist
Oct 9, 2026 · 6m
Katie Byrne, Money Editor for the Irish Independent, joins David McCullagh to discuss overcoming the fear of managing personal finances.
From Brexit to Bremain – can the Brits go backwards
Oct 9, 2026 · 13m
John O’Brennan analyzes Andy Burnham’s recent comments on the UK-EU relationship, noting that while the political mood has improved, strict red lines…
AI: the ultimate study buddy, or a shortcut to academic disaster?
Oct 9, 2026 · 10m
Rita Bateson discusses the impact of AI on student learning, balancing its potential to support underserved learners against risks like academic dishonesty and cognitive decline.
Alex Ferguson extends olive branch to Roy Keane amid 20 year feud
Oct 9, 2026 · 9m
John Fallon discusses Alex Ferguson’s new book, which praises Roy Keane, and analyzes why the former Manchester United captain is unlikely to reconcile after their acrimonious 2005 split.
US to livestream Fort Hood execution
Oct 9, 2026 · 7m
David McCullagh and Professor Scott Lucas discuss the Pentagon’s announcement to live-stream the firing squad execution of Nidal Hassan, the first military execution in over 60 years.
As Tom Cruise's Digger flops - we look at Box office Movie bombs
Oct 8, 2026 · 8m
David McCullagh and Cinemile hosts Cathy Cullen and Dave Corkery analyze the box office failure of Tom Cruise’s new film, Digger, debating its mixed reviews and marketing missteps.
Inheritance: Your questions answered
Oct 8, 2026 · 11m
Andrea McNamara from EY Law discusses recent increases to Ireland’s capital acquisitions tax thresholds and answers listener questions on inheritance law.
Italy scraps motor tax- should we follow suit?
Oct 8, 2026 · 10m
The Italian government is suspending road tax for small cars ahead of elections, a move costing over €2 billion that highlights the strain on its high national debt.
Are new citizenship proposals a justified reform - or barrier to integration?
Oct 8, 2026 · 17m
This episode examines the Irish government's proposal to extend the residency requirement for citizenship from five to eight years.
Feral Cats becoming a real problem
Oct 8, 2026 · 8m
Kathleen Murray discusses the growing feral cat crisis, distinguishing wild-born cats from strays and highlighting the severe suffering caused by overpopulation.
Principals complain about free schoolbook scheme headache
Oct 8, 2026 · 12m
Brian Doran, President of the National Association of Principals and Deputies, discusses how the free school book scheme has created a massive administrative burden for school leaders.
We speak to Christa Pike's doctor – as she wakes and speaks after botched execution
Oct 8, 2026 · 12m
This episode examines the aftermath of Krista Pike's failed execution in Tennessee, where a judge ordered the preservation of evidence after she survived two lethal injections.
RTE funding crisis as 20 million funding withheld
Oct 8, 2026 · 14m
This episode covers the dispute between RTÉ and the Irish government over a €20 million funding cut, with Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan citing unmet reform commitments.
Budget 2027 phone in
Oct 7, 2026 · 52m
Ministers Simon Harris and Jack Chambers discuss the new budget, addressing pensioner concerns over the living alone allowance and childcare affordability for families outside core funding.
Designing the ideal Irish park that every one can use safely
Oct 7, 2026 · 12m
This episode examines criticisms of Cork’s Bishop Lucy Park, where residents cite excessive concrete and anti-social behavior despite a recent revamp.
Small boats protests in the UK
Oct 7, 2026 · 7m
LBC presenter Sheila Fogarty discusses the recent deaths of migrants crossing the English Channel and the surge in arrivals from Sudan and Eritrea.
Warnings of facial damage from cocaine use
Oct 7, 2026 · 8m
Consultant ENT surgeon Brendan Fennessy discusses the severe rise in cocaine-induced nasal and mid-facial damage seen in Irish hospitals.
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