Slow, filthy and very expensive

RAIL transport in this country is a disgrace. The debacle that was Heuston Station, Dublin, on Friday last (Nov 22) is simply the tip of the iceberg. As frequent users of the Dublin-Cork line will know, rail travel in Ireland is fast becoming an endurance test.

Trains rarely arrive on time; they are often filthy, with overflowing toilets, and have no refreshment facilities. And despite paying almost €50, I and many others have often stood for the entire journey from Dublin to Cork.

And then our politicians have the audacity to tell us that we should abandon our cars and use public transport if anything would encourage me to buy a car it is frequent use of Irish public transport! I would like to know how often Seamus Brennan forsakes his Merc to travel by train or bus.