A chara, – The Dart+ plan to remove direct services from the Howth branch of the Dart would seem to me to be the equivalent of rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic (“Irish Rail’s proposal for feeder service on Howth Dart line sparks local anger”, News, September 3rd). It is clear, and has been clear for years now, that the frequency of the Dart is woefully inadequate given the passenger numbers. This will only get worse when the 879 new apartments in Howth which are under construction or have planning permission are built. While turning the Howth branch into a shuttle would greatly increase the number of trains going to both Howth and Drogheda, capacity between Howth Junction and Connolly Station will barely increase, likely leading to overcrowding in this section. Undoubtedly the only way to meet demand right now is to implement the proposed shuttle service. However, it should only be temporary and it is worrying that there is no planning of the proposed new line, which has been outlined in the Rail Review, to take the fast trains. Nor is there any proposal for grade separation of Howth Junction to increase frequency. It is pointless to get worked up about changing service patterns when we already desperately need more infrastructure capacity, even before the population in the catchment area increases. – Is mise,
IAIN Ó COIMÍN,
Callan,
Co Tipperary.