Sir, - I find it difficult to believe that the traffic estimations given by the National Roads Authority reflect the state of a small nation of 3.5 million people. Reading about the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, I wonder why the Government has not placed much more emphasis on the development of the railway system.
Railways could play a key part in reducing the amount of emissions that our country produces; allowing threefold increased capacity for traffic will not help that. Currently I read on backwater railway stations the large poster stating in bold: "One billion to be spent on improving our service", but I haven't seen any improvements to date. We need new lines, new service routes and efficient service and we need them fast.
I would like to see Ireland really tackle the environmental issues of today. As it stands, we are somewhat behind our continental neighbours. Let Ireland set an example. - Yours, etc.,
Liam Heaphy, Clogheen, Co Tipperary.