Madam, - The Taoiseach may be correct to say that increases in fuel prices over the past two years have had no noticeable impact on consumption (Opinion & Analysis, March 23rd).
However, this overlooks the fact that many people are unable to change to alternative modes of transport and are forced to use their cars, no matter how expensive fuel prices become.
In terms of reducing carbon footprints, the biggest contribution that the people of Meath could make is to take the train instead of sitting in traffic for hours each day. However, without the oft-promised railway to Navan, that environmentally-friendly option is impossible.
The Taoiseach should be reminded that in 1999, his then Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey, predicted reinstatement of the Navan railway by 2004. That date later changed to 2010 under Platform for Change, and changed again to 2015 under Transport 21.
And the 2015 date seems likely to change yet again. Recent announcements from Iarnród Éireann do not bode well, as phase one of the project to Dunboyne has fallen behind schedule from 2009 to 2010.
Commencement of the Navan project ultimately requires the assent of the Taoiseach for it to move beyond the announcement stage. Cutting a two-hour, gridlocked car commute to a 50-minute train journey from Navan to Dublin should be a priority for any environmentally and socially concerned Government. - Yours, etc,
PROINSIAS MAC FHEARGHUSA, PRO, Meath on Track, Navan, Co Meath.