A chara, – It’s wonderful to read of the exciting times ahead for our 21st-century rail services, including all-Ireland joined-up railways and 200 km/h trains (“New services, 200km/h trains and the key proposals in all-island strategic rail review”, News, July 31st).
I didn’t see any mention of having clean, usable toilets on the trains and in the stations, with flushing toilets that can be used without holding one’s breath against the smell, an adequate supply of toilet tissue, clean hand basins, soap in the soap dispensers and working hand-driers or a supply of paper towels.
Adequate, usable, and unbroken seats in heated waiting rooms were also omitted.
Neither was there any mention of a basic food and beverage service on board.
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I’d settle for these 19th- and 20th-century services right now. – Is mise,
M QUINN,
Galway.
Sir, – The all-island strategic rail review may be laudable (Editorial, July 31st) but as a resident of Sligo, I would prefer to see investment for the Sligo to Connolly Rail Service, which at the moment takes a lamentable three hours and 15 minutes.
Sadly, experience tells me that strategic plans are aspirational, but the Sligo to Dublin Rail corridor needs immediate action. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL STOREY,
Glencar,
Sligo.
Sir, – Way back in the mists of time, I just about remember going with my father to collect rail sleepers that were being lifted on the recently closed Inny Junction to Cavan line. We still have piles of them. I wonder when I can return them to help save the rail company a few euro when they start relaying the line? – Yours, etc,
JOHN K ROGERS,
Rathowen,
Co Westmeath.
