Sir, – A few weeks ago my partner and I moved with our children to a pre-existing, one-off house in the countryside outside of Maynooth.
As other correspondents have noted, we are now dependent on a car to begin any journey, though we are well served by public transport. There are park-and-ride facilities on two train lines within a short drive, allowing access to Dublin city centre in about an hour, even at peak times.
We are taking steps to negate the climate impact of our motoring by installing solar panels that will provide more than enough charge to cover the kilometres we drive.
The real advantage of the countryside is in the improved quality of life that comes from escaping urban sprawl. The air is fresh, the children have ample space to play and the only ambient sounds we hear in the mornings are those provided by nature. More to the point, our budget went a great deal further than it would have done nearer the M50. – Yours, etc,
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RICHARD BANNISTER,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.
