p>Madam, - Brendan Langley's letter (July 28th) serves to illustrate the short-sightedness of the tourism authorities here when it comes to transport museums. It is obvious that in any other European country, a transport museum would be much better laid out and provided for than seems to be the case in Howth. This is reminiscent of the treatment being meted out to the Asgaard, which as far as I know, is still looking for a home.
On looking through the internet the other day, I found a site which explained that in the UK there are 122 steam preservation societies, many having working trains running on various lengths of track. Also, there exist umpteen rail museums dedicated to exhibiting the past glories of steam. Here in Galway our local city council is exploring with CIÉ and certain private developers the various ways to turn Ceannt Station into a shopping centre cum hotel cum apartments - Oh, and a modern rail/bus station.
But nowhere is there any discussion taking place about utilising the many historic limestone buildings, rail track and artefacts which are still on site to create a tourist amenity. The possibilities of creating a historic rail museum complete with track in the heart of our city seems not to feature in their plans. What a pity.
Recently, at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue, launched the Galway City and County Tourism Committee's publication, Developing Sustainable Tourism in Galway: A Framework for Action. I am sad to have to relate that nowhere in its 78 pages is there any mention of developing or re-creating the age of steam in Galway.
The irony is that the same Glenlo Abbey Hotel has passing through its grounds the line of the original Galway to Clifden railway, the route of which in many places is still extant and not yet built upon.
Perhaps here is the site of the "flagship" tourist attraction which is suggested is needed in that report? But going on Mr Langley's recent experience in Howth I somehow have my doubts. - Yours etc.,
DERRICK HAMBLETON, Chairman, An Taisce - Galway City Association, Kingston, Galway.