RAY CAREY,
Madam, - I have been a weekend traveller on the Dublin to Waterford line for the past 27 years.
In the past four years or so the Sunday night return journey to Dublin has become traumatic in the extreme. I have witnessed almost every form of belligerence in that time, from an all-out running battle through the train to naked louts standing and drinking in the carriage reserved for the school for the deaf.
Finally security was placed on the train and the evening train was designated as a non-drinking, non-smoking train. But it didn't take long for the stags and hens to find their way around this protocol. The past few weeks have been hell. The cans are put under the table as the security guard makes one of about three walks through the train; the announcements are no longer made; the ticket-checkers ignore any trouble and move on quickly. More smoke than ever blows through the train now.
Last Sunday, my attempts at getting the conductor/ticket-checker/security guard to do something about the general disorder and personal abuse I was experiencing were futile. "If you don't stop you'll have to walk to Dublin," was the closest we came to prevention.
After this "scolding", we never saw any of the people in charge of the train from Carlow on, while the jeering and drunkeness continued in our carriage.
Sensing that my own safety was at risk, I decided to move 20 minutes before Heuston. Will it surprise any of your readers to discover that within 100 yards of the train I was assaulted by the ringleader of this group of drunks? I was punched in the face and my glasses were knocked off and damaged.
My face is still swollen as I write three days later. Will it ever be possible to travel on that train in peace and safety? Would the management of Iarn "rod" Eireann - as the announcer calls it - like to try it for themselves some Sunday? - Yours, etc.,
RAY CAREY, Beau Street, Waterford.