Madam, – In view of the innovative introduction of the free rail scheme for older visitors to the Republic, one of the first actions for Minister for Tourism Mary Hanafin (in conjunction with Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey) is to halt the short-sighted plans that Iarnród Éireann has to close the Rosslare Europort to Waterford line.
Through enterprising marketing and realistic time-tabling, trains could be filled on this delightfully rural route to provide a major boost to tourism (and employment) in the south east and enable passengers to roam further afield on the wider network that is now available. They could continue their journey to Tipperary (not a long way) or travel to counties Cork, Kerry or Kilkenny, or go to Galway via Limerick on the reopened western line and then cross to Dublin and complete the loop back to Rosslare.
I wish Ms Hanafin hearty success in her vital role in one of Ireland’s most important industries and in generating fresh recreational activity.
My country, my call. – Yours, etc,