In the late 1950’s Ireland was a young nation facing an almost existential crisis - the impact of which would be felt for generations. It was against this backdrop that T.K. Whitaker, then a departmental secretary, penned a note to the newly appointed Minister for Finance. Simply titled ‘The Irish Economy, 1957’, it was a stark and sobering read but it became the catalyst for major reform. 

In many respects, it’s hard for Irish people now to relate to life in that era - socially, demographically and politically we feel like a different country. So why does Whitaker’s warning still resonate? 

“It is accepted on all sides that we have come to a critical and decisive point in our economic affairs. It is only too clear that the policies we have hitherto followed have not resulted in a viable economy.”  

This is episode 5, how to build it?

Contributors include:

• David Browne (Irish Cities 2070 Group)
• Alice Charles (ARUP)
• Sean Dobbs (Waterford City + County Council
• Jane Dillon and Jack Cantillon (Green Room)
• Máire Henry (dhb Architects)

Irish Cities in Crisis is proudly supported by the RIAI and the Irish Cities 2070 Group - the podcast was largely inspired by the book they published late last year under the same title. This series is hosted by Matt Cooper and produced by Dee Reddy of Poddle Audio.

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