@sinabhfuil I’m not trying to be smart here, I am saying this based on my experience working as a city councillor. The problem is democracy (or at least our version of it). It’s far far easier to implement radical change when you a) don’t have to consult with groups who will be negatively affected by the change and b) don’t have to worry about getting re-elected.

@karlstanley @sinabhfuil It’s worth noting that Ireland’s formerly extensive railway network was built when Ireland was… in the Empire. So consultation when building the network wasn’t much of an issue.

@kevinteljeur @karlstanley @sinabhfuil Except the routes were forced by the local English lords. Quite often built not where it made sense, but where it was esthetically pleasing to them. Check e.g. the Dublin and Kingstown Railway, having a legitimate claim to be the oldest passenger route in the world. A lot of it is built within the sea cliff so that that it wouldn't spoil Lord Cloncurry's view.

@skolima @kevinteljeur @karlstanley Ahem, local Irish lords https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Lawless,_1st_Baron_Cloncurry