The David McWilliams Podcast
Why Do Good People Make Bad Decisions?
Mar 27, 2025
The discussion dives into Dublin's housing crisis and how well-meaning policies have stalled progress. It questions why modern infrastructure projects move so slowly compared to past achievements like Ardnanacrusha. Topics include the impact of over-regulation, NIMBYism, and the complexities of renewable energy development. The podcast also highlights the need for drastic political reform to enable swift progress, drawing comparisons with other countries' efficient systems. It's a call for a Second Irish Republic that can unleash potential.
39:32
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Quick takeaways
- Overregulation and zoning laws hinder the construction of affordable housing, resulting in higher costs and limited supply.
- Historical successes in infrastructural development, like the Ordnacrusha project, highlight the potential for modern governance reforms in Ireland.
Deep dives
Infrastructure Challenges in Modern Society
Modern societies face significant challenges in building necessary infrastructure due to a convoluted understanding of economics and governance. Overregulation and restrictive zoning laws have hindered the construction of affordable housing and critical facilities. Despite good intentions among policymakers aiming to create better living conditions, their actions often result in unintended consequences that drive up costs and limit supply. This reflects a broader issue of prioritizing individual concerns over collective needs, leading to stagnation in infrastructure development.
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