Has our footpath etiquette gone by the wayside?
Summary
Newstalk Breakfast discusses the growing tension over footpath etiquette in Dublin, focusing on conflicts between pedestrians, dog owners, and distracted phone users. Columnist Esther McCarthy joins the show to debate who should have the right of way, criticizing "phone zombies" and suggesting that adopting London’s side-of-path rules could improve flow. The segment highlights common frustrations, such as groups blocking narrow paths and a lack of mutual awareness, before wrapping up with a listener correction regarding the birthplace of the Collison Brothers.
Topics discussed
Intro: Footpath etiquette and right of way
Street interviews: Obstruction and distracted walkers
Street interviews: Speed differences and generational conflict
Street interviews: Dublin overcrowding and London comparisons
Guest intro: Esther McCarthy joins the show
Discussion: The rise of footpath frustration
Debate: Voice notes vs. watching movies on phones
The 'phone zombie' phenomenon and lack of awareness
Dogs on retractable leads and distracted dog owners
Navigating space: Men, teenagers, and the 'Red Sea' effect
Listener texts: Dog buggies and Collison Brothers correction
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