Sir, – Martin Wall's piece (News, October 29th) identifies a longstanding and harrowing problem for Irish rail workers and passengers alike. Anyone who uses trains regularly in this country will be unsurprised by the chronicle of violence, aggression and fear he records.
Many Irish trains have no official staff on board whatever, other than the driver. Verbal assaults are commonplace, and people operating (outsourced) food and drink trolleys are regularly subjected to abuse.
As someone who uses trains in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, I can honestly attest that by comparison, the level of care and safety for rail personnel and passengers in Ireland is practically non-existent. As a rail user here, I fully support the proposal that strike action is needed to compel the Government to act on this appalling dereliction.
Contempt for the wellbeing and safety of those who work on or use public transport in Ireland has never been more extreme. This is a shameful and dangerous state of affairs that must be remedied. – Yours, etc,
HARRY WHITE,
Legan,
Co Longford.