Liveline

Liveline

Kieran Cuddihy takes your calls and gets to the heart of the discussions that matter to the people of Ireland. 

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Episode's summary

This episode explores the escalating student protests in Ireland, centered on the 'Fund Our Futures' movement. The discussion covers the acute student housing crisis, the financial strain of hidden education costs, and the significant funding deficits facing higher education institutions. The conversation expands into broader socio-economic challenges, including the impact of the housing shortage on professional emigration, the need for skilled tradespeople to address infrastructure needs, and the debate over the value of liberal arts versus technical education in a changing global economy.

Chapters

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Highlights

I keep saying that we have the most expensive free education in the world because the free fees scheme covers the rest of the fees, but still we're left with a massive amount that students or their parents are expected to pay each year.

00:02:01 · Sean de Bourca explains the hidden costs of the Irish higher education system despite the existence of a free fees scheme.

just because the fact that the numbers going to university are increasing significantly doesn't mean that they're having a good experience in university.

00:13:04 · The speaker argues that increased enrollment does not equate to quality education if students face extreme commuting and financial hardships.

The money, the investment is significant. And as you pointed out to the young man there, this money doesn't fall from the skies.

00:20:12 · A caller argues against increased student spending by highlighting the reality of national debt and limited resources.

We need more builders, plumbers, electricians, plasters, carpenters. Because even if we threw $20 billion this tomorrow, we actually don't have... the qualified workforce to deliver the accommodation.

00:41:47 · The speaker argues that funding alone cannot solve the housing crisis without a skilled tradesperson workforce.

The government acknowledged back in 2022, uniquely for the sector, that there was a funding deficit every year of 300 million euros.

00:59:15 · Paul Johnston highlights the significant and ongoing financial gap facing higher education in Ireland.

Episodes

5216-

"Something is going to give"

This episode explores the escalating student protests in Ireland, centered on the 'Fund Our Futures' movement. The discussion covers the acute student housing crisis, the financial strain of hidden education costs, and the significant funding deficits facing higher education institutions. The conversation expands into broader socio-economic challenges, including the impact of the housing shortage on professional emigration, the need for skilled tradespeople to address infrastructure needs, and the debate over the value of liberal arts versus technical education in a changing global economy.

01 Oct 2026
5215-

"People can't afford to buy on the high street"

A debate on RTE Radio 1's Live Line regarding the implementation of a five euro import tax on online shopping from outside the EU, often referred to as the Temu tax. The discussion features callers debating the economic impact of the new handling fees and import duties on consumer habits and local Irish businesses. One caller highlights the financial strain on households facing inflation and the necessity of cheap imports for specific needs, while another argues that the influx of Chinese goods creates an unfair disadvantage for local retailers who pay VAT, PRSI, and local rates.

30 Sep 2026
5214-

"We're all at a loss"

A recent student from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Laura McKearnen, discusses the sudden postponement of graduation ceremonies scheduled for October 22nd and 23rd. The college has moved the ceremony to spring 2027, citing potential industrial action by public service unions. The delay has caused significant distress among graduates due to non-refundable travel and accommodation costs, as well as the long timeframe until the rescheduled date. The conversation explores the confusion surrounding the decision, especially since the scheduled strikes do not overlap with the original graduation dates. While McKearnen expresses support for the staff's right to industrial action, she highlights the financial burden on students and the lack of clarity regarding the graduation ball and other planned celebrations.

30 Sep 2026
5213-

"There was no stop to the noise"

This episode explores the growing tensions surrounding public sector industrial action driven by inflation, alongside deep-seated concerns regarding the rapid expansion of data centres in Ireland. Listeners and guests discuss the environmental and social impacts of these developments, including noise pollution, potential PFAS contamination, and the strain on the national electricity grid. The discussion further examines the economic trade-offs of the data centre industry, weighing corporate tax benefits against the competition for labor needed for essential housing and infrastructure. The episode concludes with calls for better environmental accountability, such as repurposing waste heat and ratifying EU directives to ensure energy efficiency reporting.

30 Sep 2026
5212-

"Most people don't have space to store them"

This episode explores the growing opposition to Dublin's proposed transition from bin bags to wheelie bins in the inner city. Residents raise significant concerns regarding narrow footpaths, lack of indoor storage, and potential conflicts with disability accessibility laws, while suggesting alternatives like communal shelters or 'gull-proof sacks.' The discussion also highlights the logistical struggles faced by rural residents, who deal with a lack of regular collection services and the physical burden of transporting waste manually. Amidst these challenges, Councillor Ellen O'Doherty discusses legislative efforts to defer the changes through a council vote to allow for better community engagement.

29 Sep 2026