Latest, Politics, Programmes

Catalysts for Change: Ireland and the EU in Conversation

The first interview with Lynn Boylan MEP will broadcast on Tuesday October 21st at 12.30pm.

Emma Farrell, left with Lynn Boylan MEP

Across a series of six in-depth feature radio interviews and podcasts, Near FM will look at Ireland’s relationship as part of the EU, and how Irish lawmakers, academics and professionals are striving for positive changes that will make a difference in people’s everyday lives. The series will focus on diverse areas including the Environment & Marine Sustainability, Trade Innovation and Gender Equality.

All of our interviews will reflect on the theme ‘Catalyst for Change’ and will look at how EU policies, with input from Irish MEPs, lawmakers and civil society professionals, are enacting change in specific areas such as Environment & Marine Sustainability; Trade & Innovation; Equality and inclusion; Culture and Society; Immigration & Social Inclusion and Ireland in the European Space Programme. The interviews, with inputs from experts, will focus on specific questions, challenges and outcome that will help bring about change.

Produced and presented by Emma Farrell. Post production from Paul Loughran.

All interviews will be available under ‘Communicating Europe’ wherever you get your podcasts. This series is supported by Communicating Europe, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Initiative.

Latest on Listen Again

Prof. Stephanie Holt, School of Social Work & Social Policy at Trinity College joins Mercedes López to talk about their report on how survivors of domestic violence and abuse experience [...]

George Mulcahy is joined in the studio by Vanessa Daly where they chat about Vanessa’s background, the issues that she has faced and how she became involved with The Lived [...]

Lydia Tamrat,  Mediation Coordinator at Community Law and Mediation joins Donie Tarrant to discuss the practical aspects of mediation, what it is, CLM’smediation service and types of scenarios they can help with. [...]

Challenge Your Limits! Don’t limit your challenge-in conversation Jude Vamtowe CYL podcast 1st Broadcast 5th Dec 2025 https://youtube.com/@challengeyourlimitspodcast2022? si=8fhIbo70fstZBdhi https://www.instagram.com/cyl_podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cyl_podcast   [...]

Challenge Your Limits! Don’t limit your challenge in conversation with Jay Gwai  Miracle 1st Broadcast 5th Dec 2025 https://youtube.com/@challengeyourlimitspodcast2022? si=8fhIbo70fstZBdhi https://www.instagram.com/cyl_podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cyl_podcast       [...]

Violence against minorities in Ireland raises concerns and Peace treaty in Africa. In conversation with Lassane Ouedraogo Chairperson ASCI https://www.facebook.com/share/17ftKxjgSo/ https://africacentre.ie/ https://x.com/Africa_Centre https://www.instagram.com/africacentreirl?igsh=MTNse WF5NjF3cXNnMA==     [...]

  Older people in Dublin must not be overlooked by policy in conversation with Mai Quid President ARI 1st Broadcast 5th Dec 2025 https://activeirl.ie     [...]

Michael Sullivan chats with Mick Finucane from Chapters Bookshop, recently awarded Bookshop of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards, Mick will give us some of his top [...]