Many people enjoy trekking hills and mountains on bank holiday weekends but the majority of the country's uplands are in very poor state. A recent report revealed that 90% of our protected habitats are in an 'unfavourable' condition. 

Ecologist Pádraic Fogarty joins Fran for a conversation about what can be done to improve nature on the country's hillsides and he shares his favourite spots in the country for a hike. 

Many people enjoy trekking hills and mountains on bank holiday weekends but the majority of the country's uplands are in very poor state. A recent report revealed that 90% of our protected habitats are in an 'unfavourable' condition.&nbsp;Ecologist Pádraic Fogarty joins Fran for a conversation about what can be done to improve nature on the country's hillsides and he shares his favourite spots in the country for a hike.&nbsp;

Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests, and maybe even some laughs along the way.

Email: behindthestory@rte.ie

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests, and maybe even some laughs along the way.Email: <a class="relay-http-link" href="mailto:behindthestory@rte.ie">behindthestory@rte.ie</a>New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Behind the Story

Treks and trails: why Ireland's hills need help

A woman has been arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin. Crime correspondent Paul Reynolds joins Fran with the latest. 

Later, Liz Carolan of The Briefing.ie and Dr Eoghan Cunningham of UCD discuss new research into chatbots in the recent Dublin Central and Galway West by elections and examine how political messaging on social media is changing. 

A woman has been arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin. Crime correspondent Paul Reynolds joins Fran with the latest.&nbsp;Later, Liz Carolan of The Briefing.ie and Dr Eoghan Cunningham of UCD discuss new research into chatbots in the recent Dublin Central and Galway West by elections and examine how political messaging on social media is changing.&nbsp;

Development in Kyran Durnin murder case and chatbots in elections

Fourteen Irish citizens are en route back to Ireland following their deportation by Israel.  They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla along with hundreds of other activists. The government and EU leaders have expressed dismay at the actions of the Israeli authorites. So, has the political mood changed as a result? 

Later, Fran and Eamon are joined by former Olympic swimmer Nick O'Hare to discuss the inaugural Enhanced Games dubbed the 'steroid olympics' that take place in Las Vegas this weekend. Controversy surrounds the event, as drugs, normally banned in sport, are allowed at these games. 

Fourteen Irish citizens are en route back to Ireland following their deportation by Israel.&nbsp; They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla along with hundreds of other activists. The government and EU leaders have expressed dismay at the actions of the Israeli authorites. So, has the political mood changed as a result?&nbsp;Later, Fran and Eamon are joined by former Olympic swimmer Nick O'Hare to discuss the inaugural Enhanced Games dubbed the 'steroid olympics' that take place in Las Vegas this weekend. Controversy surrounds the event, as drugs, normally banned in sport, are allowed at these games.&nbsp;

Did the Gaza flotilla change the mood music? and the 'Steroid' Olympics! 

The scale of possible job losses announced by Meta today, came as a surprise to many, up to 350 people could be made redundant in the coming months. Brian O'Donovan joins Fran and Paul to outline the situation and later, Tara McIndoe-Calder of the ESRI discusses AI and it's impact on future work. 

Fran and Paul also discuss the latest appearance by RTÉ management at the media committee. 

The scale of possible job losses announced by Meta today, came as a surprise to many, up to 350 people could be made redundant in the coming months. Brian O'Donovan joins Fran and Paul to outline the situation and later, Tara McIndoe-Calder of the ESRI discusses AI and it's impact on future work.&nbsp;Fran and Paul also discuss the latest appearance by RTÉ management at the media committee.&nbsp;

Treks and trails: why Ireland's hills need help

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