Donna-Marie Doherty is in the presenter’s seat, bringing you our Friday Panel tackling national cybersecurity, US political shifts, school funding, and rural greenway disputes, alongside expert legal advice, sport, and local town regeneration.
Inside Today’s Episode:
💬 The Friday Panel: Brian Smyth, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Rural Link, Nicola Mahon, Owner, Mode Embroidery & Print, Killea, and Ciaran Mullooly MEP for Midlands North-West to debate the week’s biggest national and global issues:
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Cyberattacks & Digital Infrastructure: Following high-profile cyberattacks across Europe—from hacked supermarket supply fridges in Ireland to compromised blood bank storage in France—the panel examines whether Ireland is equipped to handle sophisticated digital threats, and questions whether plans for a national Digital Wallet should proceed before cybersecurity is fully assured.
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US Midterm Results & International Diplomacy: Analyzing the political implications of the “Blue Wave” in the US midterm elections, the panel explores what shifting dynamics in Washington mean for Donald Trump’s political influence and how changes in US leadership could impact Irish trade, foreign policy, and diplomatic relations.
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Abolishing Voluntary School Contributions: Reacting to figures showing schools collected €116 million in voluntary contributions over five years, the panel debates Labour TD Eoghan Kenny’s call to ban the practice. They discuss whether the state should fully fund school shortfalls or if parents share a financial responsibility.
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Carrigans–Lifford Greenway Opposition: With growing protests from local farmers and landowners over potential compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), the panel debates how to balance regional tourism development against agricultural land rights and rural livelihoods.
⚖️ Solicitor Q&A with Seamus Gunn: Legal expert Seamus Gunn joins Donna-Marie to field listener queries on consumer rights, property disputes, and everyday legal matters.
🏆 Donegal GAA & Michael Murphy’s Retirement: Highland Radio match analyst Brendan Kilcoyne joins Oisín Kelly in studio to react to the news of All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy confirming his inter-county retirement. They reflect on his legacy for Donegal GAA, his incredible career, and preview the weekend’s sports action.
🏙️ Regeneration of Buncrana & Pedestrianising Main Street: 100% Redress Councillor Jack Murray discusses ambitious regeneration plans for Buncrana, addressing community feedback, commercial impact, and proposals to pedestrianise sections of Main Street to boost local footfall.
🎧 Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:
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