Sir, - I'm delighted that a car-free day has been announced. Unfortunately, my nearest bus stop is almost two miles away and the frequency of the service leaves a lot to be desired. This would, eventually, get me into the city centre, where I could then catch a second bus to my destination.
I could cycle, but the road is in such bad condition that I'd be cycling as if drunk to avoid disappearing without trace down some hole. I could book a taxi, but I've been left waiting so many times that I'd get more satisfaction hopping in on a pogo-stick. Walking a long distance is more than my body could manage without the assistance of electric heart paddles. Apart from which, there's no footpath.
So, "reflecting on my travel choices", as suggested by Mr Keegan, I'll maybe consider using the park-and-ride facility. Except there isn't one. So I'll just have to drive my grossly overtaxed car, using my grossly overtaxed petrol, having paid grossly inflated VRT rates. I'll continue to pay my increasingly regular repair bills due to the logging trails that pass for roads in this part of the world. I'll pay more money to avoid the city by using largely EU-funded roads, containing probably the worst designed toll area in this third world of transport.
I must be a grossly bad person to use my car, so I'll say the Rosary as I queue, again, behind numerous bulldozers, skip around the usual road works and make my merry way to work.
I presume Mr Keegan does have these choices about which he speaks so highly. Maybe he should reflect on those who are not so lucky and get a grip on reality. - Yours etc.,
Garry Clarke, The Ward, Co Dublin.