LIAM O'MAHONY,
A chara, - Can one imagine Michael O'Leary of Ryanair leaving a 130-seater aircraft sitting idle on a runway for nine hours each day? Yet this is what Iarnród Eireann does on a daily basis in Waterford City. Shortly after 8 a.m. the early morning commuter train arrives from Rosslare and proceeds to a siding where it languishes until its 5 p.m. return journey.
What a waste of resources! In that nine hour period it could make three round trips to Clonmel and one to Rosslare. This would quadruple Clonmel's services to Waterford and improve rail connections between Dublin and the South Tipperary capital.
The provision of an early afternoon link along the South Wexford line would facilitate shoppers from that area to Waterford. It would also allow visitors access to the Hook, Bannow Bay, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare Strand, all of which are in close proximity to the railway. An attractive half-day tour could be developed in a joint venture with local coach operators.
I don't believe it is the fault of the public that current traffic levels are sparse on this route. However, it does behove the people to ensure that their unique railway is not taken from them. Give the local councillors and Oireachtas members a clear message demanding not just retention but enhancement of this railway. Don't be fobbed off with waffle about lack of resources. Remember the resource is currently lying idle alongside a lonely Waterford platform each day. - Is mise,
LIAM O'MAHONY,
An tSean Chill,
Rinn Ua gCuanach,
Co Phortlairge.