Madam, - As delays and escalating costs in rolling out our latest attempt at a modern, effective transport system continue to make headlines, one could be forgiven for thinking that this is a purely contemporary predicament.
This notion strikes me as particularly prevalent in this egocentric era of post-Celtic Tiger Ireland.
I was both amused and relieved to read the following paragraph about the construction of the Royal Canal in Donal MacPolin and Peter Sobolewski's book Blanchardstown, Castleknock and the Park (Cottage Publications):
"Work started on the Royal Canal in 1790 and almost immediately problems arose. No comprehensive survey had been carried out so the estimated cost, £197,098 was meaningless.
"Even the costs of building were underpriced. To cut costs, an engineer to oversee the work was not initially appointed, with dire consequences. The final cost was £1.5 million." Plus ça change! - Yours, etc.,
PETER LEONARD,
Glenbeigh Road,
Dublin 7.