Sir, – You have nailed your colours to the mast in your approval of MetroLink. Of course you have every right to do so (“The train has left the station”, Editorial, July 11th).
However, you have a definite advantage over those of us that have major concerns over the implementation of this project. I have written to your paper on a number of occasions expressing my concerns with this project.
In principle I have no problem with connecting Dublin city centre to the airport and beyond, and offering a solution to our city’s transport issues.
You state that the sceptics’ case is undermined by “glib suggestions” that money would be better spent on faster buses or expanding the Luas network. I am one of those sceptics.
RM Block
I am sceptical because there are so many areas other than Dublin transport that require improvement.
Our provincial cities, Cork, Limerick and Galway, would benefit from light-rail projects. We need large investment for our water supply and treatment. Our health system is creaking. I could go on and on. To sink €15-20 billion into one project is to say the least profligate, and is not a fair balance of investment in the provinces.
It is not too late, as you suggest “the train has left the station”, because properties have been purchased. No construction has commenced and other options need to be given serious consideration, before another millstone is tied around the neck of future generations that will be multiples of the national children’s hospital fiasco. – Yours, etc,
VINCENT CARROLL,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin.
