Commuter counties

Madam, - Of course Kathy Sheridan (Opinion, May 15th) is right about the need for an alternative to commuting in cars from Louth…

Madam, - Of course Kathy Sheridan (Opinion, May 15th) is right about the need for an alternative to commuting in cars from Louth, Carlow and Ratoath.

The problem is twofold: Some people who live in areas that are well served by public transport commute in cars, thereby contributing to the gridlock; and there is a serious lack of planning. Where did the planners of the estates in satellite towns think that the inhabitants were going to work?

Owen Keegan can probably do something about the former issue, and I think he is right to discourage commuting by people with an alternative. As for the latter, ongoing planning delays are indicative of an under-resourced and ineffective service.

Are there minimum guidelines for services such as transport links, water, power, schools, sporting and recreation facilities to developing towns? If so, why are they not being implemented? If not, why not? - Yours, etc.,

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BARRY LYONS, Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2.