Sir, – Michael McDowell (Opinion & Analysis, , September 15th) displays a rather blinkered, windscreen view of the world. He asks, "Where would we be if the existing motorway network had not been constructed in the past 20 years?" Had that very significant investment been used to develop our public transport network, we would have a coherent and comprehensive public transport system where the majority of journeys could be taken by bus, train, foot, or bicycle, and the majority of freight could move around on rail. The improvements in air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, commuting time, and general quality of life would have greatly reduced our healthcare bills. We have lost out.– Yours, etc,
ELAINE MULLAN,
Portlaw, Co Waterford.