Don’t visit city of culture on an empty stomach

WHEN you arrive at the train station in Cork, European City of Culture 2005, do not try to obtain refreshments as the restaurant there is permanently closed.

If you need a seat on the train, remain standing as they are few and hard to find.

Cork city’s main public transport hub has no facilities, apart from toilets.

It’s truly unbelievable.

Why are public services allow to fall to such low standards?

I recently travelled with my parents on an early morning train to Dublin from Cork.

I could neither find a seat for them nor any refreshments to assist them on their journey at the rail station.

They were left standing in a line of 100 people for more for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile the café on the station platform remains permanently closed.

Stand them in a line: no seats, no refreshments... it reminded me of a cattle slaughter house.

Travelling by train recently to Genoa, European City of Culture 2004, from southern France, I always got a seat and every little station along the way had a café. Not so, Ireland. Not so Cork.

European City of Culture my ass.

Declan Waugh,

Timoleague,

Co Cork.