Pressing Pause... by Una & Andrea's United IrelandUna & Andrea's United Ireland

It's our 2022 Summer Jam! On this episode, we give you our on top 20 cheerful summer vibes; things to look forward to, positive changes a'coming, good vibes to soak up, and all round Positive Pam feelings. Enjoy!Una & Andrea's United Ireland

What makes a city sing when it comes to biodiversity? We're joined by Dublin City Council's biodiversity officer, Lorraine Bull to talk about wilding, bees, otter surveys, and making the capital greener. Also, Andrea is raging with Apple, our queen JLo ties the knot, and the plans for "culture" at the former site of the Tivoli theatre stall.…

BONUS EP: The Uber Files with Simon Carswell by Una & Andrea's United IrelandUna & Andrea's United Ireland

Attention paid to dereliction across Ireland has increased hugely during the pandemic, with a grassroots anti-dereliction movement emerging from ordinary people interested in addressing the scourge of vacancy and dereliction, but also offering solutions that should be acted on now, which would address aspects of the housing crisis, improve villages…

It’s a time of great distress and anger in the US and beyond, as Roe V Wade was overturned by a Supreme Court once again throwing the future of American democracy into turmoil. But don’t despair. In this episode we turn to hope, tactics, strategy, and mobilisation with the great Ailbhe Smyth. Instead of repeating the same conversations rattling aro…

For our final episode before Dublin Pride's biggest weekend, we're talking to Philly McMahon and Philip Connaughton about their new production, Party Scene, which examines chemsex and community. Plus, Andrea and Una give their verdicts on J Lo's Halftime (and her giant bejazzled coffee cup), and Roisin Murphy held hands with Andrea, so now they're …

This week Blake Lemoine, a Google engineer was put on leave after he claimed an AI program, named LaMDA, had become sentient. We've all seen the movies where AI becomes sentient, turns on humans and machines take over the world - is this what's happening now? In a word, no. But we are joined by Dr William Ratoff, Asst Professor at the Department of…

Mick Clifford is one of the most experienced and dogged journalists in Irish media. He is a special correspondent at the Irish Examiner, and author of several books, in genres as broad as political analysis and crime novels. On this episode, we talk about Mick's career, and his focus on corruption, especially the Garda whistleblower scandal. But ou…

We begin June with a different look at Pride. What happens when queer activists use their learnings to tackle issues that wouldn't be traditionally seen as LGBTQ+? We're joined by Irish filmmaker Paul Rowley in New York, who has been documenting the protest and creative activist group Gays Against Guns, in the wake of more horrific mass-shootings i…

Confused about the crypto crash? How will this turbulent time in digital currency impact society? We’re joined by Alex Hern, Technology Editor at The Guardian to discuss buying the dip, Ponzi scheme characteristics, and evangelical crypto communities. Also, Emer Higgins is back, the rolling An Bord Pleanála drama, and loads of techno tales.…

Across Ireland, small businesses are facing a near-crippling confluence of events; the staffing crisis impacting hiring and retention, out of control insurance costs, crazy energy price hikes, and inflation across the board. There's also the housing and rental crisis which is having a huge impact on small businesses. On this episode, we're digging …

The date of the Assembly Election, May 5th, was also the anniversary of Bobby Sands' death, a seismic moment in Irish history. On this bonus episode, we talk to Laurence McKeown, who also joined the hunger strikes that changed the political landscape. McKeown is an author, playwright, and poet, who was also imprisoned in the H-Blocks, and spent 70 …

It's our final #AE22 instalment before the North goes to the polls, and this week, we're talking borders. But not the border discourse you're used to. Many, many people are prevented from moving from county to county in this country because of border restrictions placed on visa-nationals. Imagine working in a hospital in Derry, but being unable to …

Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick of Ulster University School of Law joins us to discuss what we feel is probably the biggest underlying election issue in the North: poverty. What aspects of poverty hit harder in the North, and why? With the cost of living crisis spirally, we chat about the problems and the solutions. Also, Andrea has a life-changing experience…

On our third instalment examining issues beyond the headlines during election season in the North, we're digging into the parties - as in the ones on the dancefloor. Which political party has decent arts and culture policies? We're also joined by AVA bosswoman Sarah McBriar who gives us an insight into running one of the most interesting festivals …

On our second NI Assembly spesh, we’re looking beyond the traditional binaries to spotlight one of the new era of candidates that are focussing on being independent voices in the hope of being elected in a jurisdiction known for partisan politics. Emma DeSouza joins us to discuss her ideas, and the changing landscape of voters and the issues they’r…

Welcome to the first episode in our month-long series examining the upcoming Northern Irish Assembly elections!You know we love a good vote (and this one takes place on May 5th), but we also feel that a lot of people in the South simply don't engage in Assembly elections, and tend to tune out.Not here!We're going to bring you the FUN ASSEMBLY ELECT…

BYLINE is back! This month, we're chatting to The Irish Times' Public Affairs Editor, Simon Carswell. Carswell is known in the industry for his breadth of expertise, his fastidiousness, and his capacity to take on any beat. His background in financial journalism - when he worked at both the Business Post and then the Irish Times - switched gears to…

Peter O'Dwyer of the Business Post joins us to discuss the Irish aircraft leasing sector's turbulent times, with leased jets languishing in Russia in the face of EU sanctions, how did this industry come to be massive in Ireland, and can they get their planes back? If you've always wondered what Ireland's strong connections are with this sector, her…

As an epic return to St Patrick's Day celebrations winds up, we're chatting about the new Celtic revival currently influencing contemporary Irish identities across Irish culture, society, and politics. From the popularity of the Irish language, to the blending of tradition in art, music, design and fashion, it feels very much that we're in a new Ce…

32 Questions with the First Woman of Ireland, live from the London Irish Centre in Camden.Una & Andrea's United Ireland

On this week's episode, we're joined by the brilliant journalist, Natalia Antelava, the editor-in-chief of Coda Story, to discuss the Russian invasions and military actions over the past decade and a half that preceded the invasion of Ukraine.Una & Andrea's United Ireland

A Citizen's Assembly on drug use that was expected to take place this year has been pushed back till 2023 much to the frustration of many campaigning on the issue. Ireland has one of the highest rates of drug overdoses every year.Senator Lynn Ruane tabled an amendment calling for an end to the delay in establishing this essential Citizens Assembly …

Does the self-build movement offer some solutions to the housing crisis and the rent trap? Would you like to learn how to build your own gaff? This week, we're speaking to Fionn Kidney of Common Knowledge, a new enterprise based in County Clare that's teaching people the skills to build, plant, forage, and connect with each other, and the land.…

It's been a tough time for our fair city recently and the levels of frustration being felt by people who want to continue living here but can't because of the housing crisis, the eradication of spaces to create and meet and the insane cost of living.It seems like we've made the decision that only people who buy into the definition of success that t…

It's the housing showdown everyone was waiting for! O'Brien V O'Broin. On this week's podcast we're analysing the debate that had everyone talking, until it didn't, what it says about the government's approach to housing, and whether Sinn Féin's vision is up to scratch.Plus the return of Glenisk yoghurt, Bezos' yacht a bridge too far, Investors tak…

This week, Una and Andrea are doing something different. With Andrea feeling worn out by the news cycle's barrage of negativity, and the frayed feeling that you have to fight for everything in this GODFORSAKEN COUNTRY, Una does her best Dr. Melfi impression in an attempt to find out what's beneath a feeling of end-of-tether-ness that's cropping up …

BYLINE: Isabel Hayes by Una & Andrea's United IrelandUna & Andrea's United Ireland

In the midst of a housing crisis, all building is seen as “good” when it comes to tackling supply, but how much attention is being paid to developments that don’t just provide “units”, but community? We’re joined by architects Alfonso and Rob to talk about urbanism, SHDs and why accusations of NIMBYism are often misplaced when it comes to creating …

As Boris Johnson struggles for his political life thanks to a load of lockdown parties, what about the bigger picture of British political chaos? On this episode, we're joined by the editor-in-chief of OpenDemocracy to discuss how British democracy is under attack thanks to a shift to the libertarian-right within the Tory party, and how a raft of r…

New Year, Same us.We're not buying into the January narrative round these parts and instead have enlisted the warmth and wisdom of author, journalist, coach and most importantly for this ep, meditation teacher Conor Creighton to spin that narrative on its head.Conor says, "The Pressure to be highly productive in January is capitalism further discon…

Strap yourselves in for an episode of unwarranted judgements, chaos, joy, nitpicking, and other ridiculous yet somehow tremendously insightful assessments of the year that was. From Best Minister to Gas Bitch Of The Year, our awards show has it all. Happy New Year!Una & Andrea's United Ireland

La la La - Tis the season.We're putting our fingers in our ears and blocking out anything that isn't joyful for the next week (or so). So this episode is just a bumper filled episode of fave bits.Will JLo make the cut? Of course she will.Does everyone apart from Una know what Christmas Milk is? Is there a full on lean to the left in Latin America? …

Recent revelations about the National Broadband Plan say a lot about public-private partnerships, transparency, and what the State does with large amounts of money for big projects. Joining us to explain it all is Thomas Hubert of The Currency, who has been investigating the broadband money trail. Meanwhile, Una wants the new season of Drive To Sur…

Reform of Ireland's licensing laws has long been advocated for, but the desire for more flexible and expansive licensing was ignored. Now, the government is getting to it. Even as clubs are closed, there is progress being made, and a public consultation on licensing has been opened by the Department of Justice. So what needs to happen, and how can …

We know things are a bit grim & frustrating right now, but there are reasons for be cheerful. It's Mariah season! Let's go! In this episode, we give a rundown of things that are making us smile, and reasons for hope. From new vibes in the capital to Carrie Bradshaw's podcast, let's get happy.Una & Andrea's United Ireland

This week's episode is a recording of our recent live podcast event at the National Concert Hall with ourselves and Conner Habib of Against Everyone With Conner Habib. You should definitely support Conner's podcast on Patreon, it's genuinely one of the best around. For this episode, we were joined by an audience to discuss utopian processes, unity,…

Shit got real again this week as the COVID surge escalated, and HSE chief Paul Reid issued a crisis management directive. So the government obviously stood up to the task of introducing mitigation strategies, right? Well, em, no.They popped a midnight curfew on clubs and continued to talk about washing your hands.We're looking at a cataclysmic week…

Just as the Leitrim community was able to relax after winning it's fight against onshore fracking, another threat to the county strikes - the hunt for gold.A few weeks ago, a group called Treasure Leitrim was formed when it emerged a company called Flintridge Research was seeking a prospecting licence for gold and silver in north Leitrim near Manor…

Waterford's approach to dereliction has dramatically decreased the number of families living in emergency accommodation, and homelessness more generally. By utilising a rarely talked about scheme, derelict and vacant buildings are being transformed into social housing. So why can't this happen everywhere else? We're joined by Fine Gael Senator John…

Have you waited for clubs and gigs for so long, you're feeling weird about not rushing out to them? How can we cope with anxiety and overwhelm as places open back up? Our favourite psychotherapist Sarah Gilligan joins us for calmness, coping mechanisms, and capacity tips. Plus, Una discusses what it was like at the eviction on Prussia Street in Dub…

'water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink'This famous line from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem seems perfectly apt when we're (still) talking about student accommodation. Following a heap load of frustration communicated from UCD SU's Ruairí Power to Owen Keegan, CEO of DCC about the change of use of PBSA to short term student lets, Owen Kee…

EPISODE 115: Ireland's Corporate Tax Rate Conundrum by Una & Andrea's United IrelandUna & Andrea's United Ireland

Why does it feel we have to keep protesting for the things that should be a given in a society?1: Somewhere To LiveKillian Woods predicted a rent strike in a recent Byline episode because of the crazy housing crisis. Within that crisis, there's another arc that perfectly illustrates why trying to find somewhere to live is so difficult. Empty purpos…

Stephen Carroll is the Business Editor of France24. In this episode of Byline, we talk about his career in broadcast news, from starting out as a radio reporter in Dublin, to presenting young people's news for RTE, to producing and editing global breaking news stories for Sky News, working at the BBC World Service, and for the past decade working a…

As Ireland continues to be home for many Big Tech HQ's, the responsibility for enforcing privacy laws lies with us too. This week, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties released a report that suggests Ireland is failing to enforce these laws on these companies. The report comes on the back of a recent case with WhatsApp where the Irish Data Protect…

Last night Eoin O'Broin launched his new book, Defects: Living with the Legacy of the Celtic Tiger. Today, bus loads of mica redress campaigners have arrived at the Fianna Fáil think-in in Cavan.In this bonus episode, we talk to the Sinn Fein spokesperson on housing and TD Eoin O Broin about his new book where O Broin examines the personal stories …

Housing For All launched last week and there were some easy wins for the government that were kicked down the road, like tackling the vacancy and dereliction problem that is currently rampaging through the country. The most sustainable and sense filled solution is to obviously use what’s already built - but you simply have to look at the hashtags #…