Sir, – Your editorial “The Irish Times view on the election infrastructure debate: a vital area which needs more attention” (November 19th) was a welcome intervention.
Our infrastructure is creaking. When the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland speaks, we need to listen. Its membership here employs 375,000 people directly and indirectly.
Members of the chamber in Galway, Mayo and Sligo have been outlining the need for such investment in rail in Connacht. IDA-supported companies in these three counties employ 30,000 directly. Reopening the existing railway south from Sligo through Mayo and Galway would connect our exporters to rail-connected ports in Foynes and Waterford. It would allow our exporters move their freight in a sustainable, competitive and responsible manner. Just 0.6 per cent of this year’s Government spending would provide direct intercity rail from Sligo to Galway for generations. It would also underpin the foreign direct investment we have and help us attract more in the future, resulting in sustainable and sustained economic growth. – Yours, etc,
ULTAN KEADY,
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Caherlistrane,
Co Galway.