Integrated transport

Questioning the need for a second airport in Dublin

Sir, – The recent letters debating the need for a second airport in Dublin skirt the issue that, fundamentally, airports have been viewed by the State as standalone pieces of infrastructure rather than part of a wider, integrated system of public transport.

It has been said many times, and it is unfortunately true, that the lack of a rail connection to Dublin Airport underlines decades of poor policy decisions by successive governments. Similarly, the airport features the busiest bus station in the country yet apparently is not worthy of any decent facilities for those using it. It is little wonder that so many arrive and depart by car. This is a failure of Government.

The Minister for Transport could take the opportunity to consider that bus, rail, sea and air are complementary rather than in competition with each other. No one mode of transportation can meet all the needs of those who travel into, out of and around our island. A change in approach is needed. We can do better, so why aren’t we? – Yours, etc,

JOE MAY,

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Dundalk,

Co Louth.