In this final live show of 2024, Niall invites listeners to reflect on the year’s news stories that had the greatest impact—those that sparked anger, brought laughter, or even moved them to tears. From major global events to local dramas, callers share their personal highs and lows, revealing which headlines stuck with them most and why. As we close out another year, join us in looking back at the moments that defined 2024, celebrating the good, acknowledging the bad, and learning from it all.

In this episode, Niall examines a contentious development in Athlone, where local representatives mounted a successful High Court challenge against a Ministerial Order aimed at rapidly expanding refugee accommodations. The State conceded, declaring the project an “unauthorised development.” This case raises a fundamental question: If local communities say "not in our area," who decides where refugees live?

Niall speaks to Cllr. Paul Hogan to get an update on the situation and to understand what the court’s decision means for the community and the refugees involved. With these new legal developments in mind, we ask whether the voices of local residents should dictate who settles in their area.

Some callers argue that the concerns of local residents should be taken seriously. They stress that communities understand their own limitations—whether it’s housing availability, schools, healthcare services, or general infrastructure. For them, it’s not about opposing refugees; it’s about ensuring adequate support and resources for everyone.

Others believe that turning refugees away, especially after they have fled conflict or hardship, is not acceptable. They insist that every community should do its part and that compassion should guide policy. If each area refuses to host newcomers, where can vulnerable individuals go? The government and local authorities need to find a balance that respects local concerns without abandoning people in need.

Niall closes by reflecting on the complexities of balancing local input, resource allocation, and moral obligations, leaving listeners to decide where fairness and responsibility truly lie.

In this episode, Niall examines the debate surrounding Ireland’s first medically supervised injection center for drug users. Set to open shortly in Dublin and operated by Merchants Quay Ireland as a pilot project, this facility represents a significant shift in the country’s approach to drug use. Based on models seen in countries like Switzerland and Canada, these centers aim to provide a safe, sterile environment with trained medical staff on hand to prevent overdoses, reduce the spread of disease, and potentially guide users toward treatment.

Some callers support the idea, arguing that medically supervised injection centers save lives. They believe providing a controlled environment prevents users from injecting in unsafe conditions, reduces the risk of fatal overdoses, and offers a bridge to addiction treatment programs. In their view, this approach is about harm reduction, not encouraging drug use.

Others strongly oppose the concept, insisting it enables illegal drug use rather than discouraging it. They worry these centers send the wrong message by giving addicts a state-sanctioned place to break the law. Instead of focusing on safer injection facilities, these callers believe resources should be directed toward prevention, education, and rehabilitation initiatives that help users get clean rather than continue their habit.

Niall wraps up the episode by acknowledging the complex ethical and practical concerns, leaving listeners to consider whether these facilities represent compassionate harm reduction or a step too far in normalizing drug use.