It's actually crazy. I learned to drive at 40 when I became a dad because I (correctly) believed that parenting without a car would be a logistical nightmare. And I live in Dublin! Public transport only gets worse beyond the capital.

This country is addicted to driving.

April 09, 2026 - 13:01 UTC

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And media/politics have been completely captured by the notion that buying and using a nice new car is the correct choice for everybody who isn't either a weirdo or poor.
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Money in your pocket to buy a big car treat that will (in the ad version) sweep you effortlessly through deserted city streets seems to be much more politically sellable than a well-run bus/ tram/metro system that makes car ownership optional.
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And roadbuilding.
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"People want tarmac" - Michael Healy Rae

Come here to me, you'll never guess who owns a plant hire company.
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My partner tried every single thing to convince me to learn to drive, failed on every front until we eventually had a kid and I felt I had no choice
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