Sir, - One wonders where to find that oft-extolled icon "the democratic process". Not in the Government; not in the National Roads Authority which presses on with almost totalitarian deafness and a pretence of transparency and consultation. Between them, they have decided, "Let There Be Motorways". But has there been any public debate about whether this huge expenditure of public money is what the public wants?
It is strange how short-sighted Governments seem to be over transport. There was the closure of the least economic railway routes, whose magnificent engineering was consigned to the scrapheap. And since then there has been the neglect of the remaining rail system, leading to its uniquely limited service.
A second airport south of Dublin was turned down in favour of the increasing horror of Collinstown.
To deal with the Dublin gridlock, which had been widely foreseen at the beginning of European largesse, a proper underground system was turned down in favour of a hybrid scheme which many think will actually make matters worse.
Having failed with the M50 (which itself may soon be inadequate), the policy is to drive motorways in all directions through virgin country, causing anguish, for want of a stronger word, along each route. It is supposed that improving existing roads, with bypasses as needed, would risk votes; new routes, on the other hand, will affect mainly just the farmers. Unfortunately the IFA seems to be concentrating on compensation, which muddies the waters of principle.
And if the counties on the way lose out - socially, environmentally and even commercially (for what tourist, private or commercial traffic, once a motorway, will leave it before its destination except to avoid a toll?) - it must be taken as being for the greater good. But is it? Where was the debate? This proposed ruthless spoliation has happened before - when the railways were built.
Why do it twice? Cannot the railways, which at least connect the major towns and cities in the most direct fashion, be the routes for more trains and also for motorways (some of whose traffic might be induced to roll on and off)? Of course that would involve great expense. But, where it is a possibility, has there been any comparative costing?
A major route-system taking rail, road, pylons, telecommunication, sewerage and gas mains, would be an innovative environmental example and might also perhaps save our most precious and dwindling asset - very beautiful land. - Yours, etc.,
David Gibbs, Bellmount, Cullahill, Co Laois.