Dear Editor,
Concerning the recent report about Irish Rail dispatching 37 top executives to a Berlin trade fair amidst the uproar over currents delays on the Irish rail network (“37 high-ranking Irish Rail officials attend Berlin trade fair as new schedule prompts frustration, News, October 3rd), I question the extent of knowledge they would gain from a country with a deteriorating rail system. I embarked on a bicycle journey in Germany’s Nordsee region this past September, and both of the trains scheduled to travel to and from Hamburg, marking my tour’s beginning and end, were called off due to a bridge fire at a primary link.
On the day of my flight back to Dublin from Hamburg, I observed a TV screen at the airport in shock as it portrayed a train bridge crumbling under floodwaters in Dresden.
Yours faithfully,
MICHAEL RODDY,
Dún Laoghaire,
Bearú, New Ross.
On another note, the issues facing Irish Rail are undeniably substantial and urgent. Still, I believe that the decision to send 37 officials to a tradeshow to garner insight into providing a more effective train service is a sensible move. With the total expense amounting to €90,000, comprising only 25% of a bike shed’s cost, it’s certainly value for the money!
Kind regards,
ANTHONY BEHAN,
Killeagh,
Co Cork.