Sir, - As a Dubliner with a recognised knowledge of the city's history, it deeply saddens me that we might miss yet another key opportunity to take a gigantic leap forward to improve the city beyond all measure.
Most of the opponents of light rail are missing the point. Light rail - and I have considerable experience of it abroad - is simply the most people friendly transport system in existence. It can co exist wonderfully with pedestrians and traffic, it becomes an automatic choice for short trip hopping, and it will quite literally uplift the whole street environment of the city centre.
Naturally, it cannot realise its potential unless all the other measures such as consistently enforced traffic management, bus corridors and adequate parking are also provided for. We must, however, ensure that the first two lines from Dundrum and Tallaght are but the beginning, or the whole exercise will become a half baked solution. Constant pressure must be maintained on the Government to proceed with further integrated phases, including serving the north side of the city, and an east west city centre axis.
Yours, etc.,
Thorndale Crescent,
Dublin 5.