Sir, – A major climate issue for us in Ireland is the high level of diesel consumption, associated largely with the road transport industry. Certainly it is essential that we have the means to transport goods to support the economy, but there must be a way to reduce, even in a small way, the environmental impact of fast-moving and fuel-hungry diesel trucks .
Why not reopen our canal system to commercial traffic once again? Barges provide an ideal means by which to transport heavy goods and bulk cargoes at low cost, when delivery is not time critical. The canal system that spans continental Europe is actively used for this purpose.
Our own canal system is extensive, extending outwards from Dublin port, and covers a large area of the country. It is now mainly a recreational facility. Perhaps we could make more profitable use of it.
Since canals in Ireland have speed limits of less than 10km/h, modern barges might easily be powered by a small electric motor, designed to operate at low speed. The presence of a heavy high-capacity lithium battery on board would be of little consequence, given the overall weight of the barge. Recharging might be readily managed at cargo loading and unloading periods. Perhaps such a modern adaptation of an older transport system might bring some useful benefits in our battle against global warming. – Yours, etc,
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SEÁN ANDREWS,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.