Madam, – I refer to Barry Roche's piece in The Irish Times("Site for Cork harbour terminal sought", July 8th) about the difficulties of identifying a new site for Cork ports expansion plans.
One of the principal reasons for An Bord Pleanála’s rejection of the June 2008 plans was the lack of a rail link to Ringaskiddy. It is ironic that for some years now not one kilo of freight has arrived or departed Cork port by rail.
Recently the ideally located railway freight yard at North Esk (at the epicentre of the Cork city road network) was disconnected from the national rail system – this happening during the watch of the Green Party in Government may help to explain their recent wipe-out at the ballot box.
One has a certain sympathy for the Cork port authorities whose plans have been stymied by planning guidelines based on theoretical aspirations which are not reflected by progressive government policy on rail freight. - Yours, etc,