Sir, – I was disappointed with the recent article in relation to the transport infrastructure of Farranfore village, which has a population of 84 people ("Time for Kerry Airport to fly alone", Cantillon, September 1st).
Cantillon mocked the reasoning behind such a small village being so well serviced by rail, bus and air.
The reality is that both the bus service and train service stops are links between Killarney and Tralee, which has a general population of 60,000. Kerry airport serves the county of Kerry (population 147,554), west Limerick, Cork and beyond.
Good transport is essential in Kerry, which is somewhat isolated and poorly served by roads. I also believe that you will find the Kerry-Cork-Dublin rail service is not loss making and is successful.
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Kerry Airport is ideally located to serve both north and south Kerry and is only a 10-minute drive to the towns of Tralee, Killarney and Castleisland. In addition, Kerry Airport facilitates international tourism. It is also a successful feeder airport.
Kerry Airport was developed through funding from the local population and is a well-run, efficient and safe airport. Much of the State funding received by Kerry airport is to meet security and safety requirements that are constantly evolving.
Locating Kerry Airport in Farranfore, adjacent to a train station and equidistant from the two main towns of the county, is actually very good planning. – Yours, etc,
TOM RANDLES,
Killarney,
Co Kerry.
Sir, – Why not develop Farranfore into a town with good housing and social facilities and other infrastructure, and then attract businesses to provide employment? The fact that there is an airport, railway station and good road services all point to the potential to grow the village into a vibrant town where people and families can work and have access to the wonderful Kerry countryside. – Yours, etc,
CON HURLEY,
Ballinlough,
Cork.