Sir, - With reference to your thought-provoking editorial "Investing in the Railways" (November 4th) it is most true that outside the capital the role of public transport has been largely ignored, with the most neglected sections of CIE's track being between Dublin and the West.
Let us ponder for a moment, however, the case of those other often-neglected border counties of Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan. As a native of Donegal I seldom travel home, as the only means of public transport available is the bus. Recently, due to road improvement works, coupled with Bank Holiday traffic, a journey that normally takes four hours lasted well over six.
Over the last many decades Donegal's geographical position (bounded to the west by the Atlantic and to the east by Northern Ireland) has necessitated frequent travel in a southbound direction. Surely this factor, along with proper consideration of the county's numerous tourist attractions, amply justifies provision of a modern railway system?
After all, this "new" system would be second only to its predecessor - that good old narrow-gauge railway instigated by the Congested Districts Board at the turn of the century! - Is mise, Anna O'Hegarty,
Foyle Road,
Fairview,
Dublin 3.