Dogs and public transport

Sir, – Arriving at Kent Station in Cork, with enough time to spare for a coffee and a sandwich before boarding – being fully aware of the lack of hospitality on the train – I found myself cruising around both car parks looking for a space. There were cars parked all over the place, including pavements and tight corners. Many of them were clamped. I was sure I would miss my train when I was lucky to find someone leaving, so I managed to get parked just in time. With a small dog under my arm, I headed for the station, where I found that the coffee shop was closed anyway, so I missed nothing there. So I travelled to Dublin with my small dog on my knee.

I mention the dog because this is the main reason why it has become so difficult to travel to Dublin. A dog is not allowed on the bus, so anyone hoping to travel with one is obliged to drive to the station, unless they live within walking distance.

I would like to ask Eamon Ryan, our Minister of Transport, why this is the case?

How much better for the planet if I didn’t have to drive 80km from Bantry to Cork in the first place, but instead boarded the bus with a small dog on my knee? – Yours, etc,