Sir, - I write from experiences of using public transport in many cities and would make three points concerning the decision to put the Luas underground from St Stephen's Green to Broadstone:
The unknown construction costs: The commitment of public money to an unquantified unknown is totally irresponsible. Incidently, London's newest underground line, the "Jubilee", cost much more, and took much longer than anticipated because of unexpected problems. That these could occur where geological knowledge and engineering experience is extensive is surely a warning worth noting.
Running costs: Another unknown, but the underground section will need greater facilities and more personnel to service and maintain, than overground sections. This cost is likely to be reflected in higher fares than would otherwise be necessary.
The safety/security aspect: This is currently a major concern in the city centre, especially at night. How much more so will it be when, additionally, there are subways and passageways underground to contend with? - Yours, etc., Mary Noonan,
Mitchelstown, Co Cork.