Sir, - There can be no doubt that Dublin's transport problems merit the considerable attention paid to them. They have, however, completely overshadowed the rural transport problem in Ireland. The centralisation of services in larger towns, combined with the rationalisation and withdrawal of public transport services, has led to considerable problems for rural residents without a car.
This deprivation is suffered by some of the least vocal elements of society, the elderly, the disabled and the unemployed among them. So, while Dublin's problems are debated among important lobby groups, those suffering from the withdrawal of rural public transport services are silent. Whereas the magnitude of the city's transport problems are visible in the traffic congestion on our streets, the rural problem is "invisible".
It is an "invisible" problem, however, that will continue to affect the quality of life of a considerable section of rural society. The British government has recently published a national strategy for transport, covering urban, interurban and rural transportation. Perhaps it is time for the Irish Government to do the same. - Yours, etc., Keith Moynes,
Ardpatrick Road, Navan Road, Dublin 7.