Sir, - Conchita Pinto, an environmentalist from Kilcoole, suggests that Ireland should make a stand against unrestricted car use by leaving the Glen of the Downs as it is (April 7th). I agree with her that we need to reduce car use and that the best way is to provide attractive public transport. However, four lanes merge into one in the glen and traffic jams are a normal occurrence and will get worse. It is thus necessary to widen the road to two lanes in each direction.
Rather than causing delay and frustration for the people of Wicklow, the eco-warriors should campaign for better public transport in the area to be provided at the same time as the road-widening.
The rail line from Greystones to Wicklow Town has only one commuter train a day. In the longer term DART needs to be extended to Wicklow. However, in the short term a service of three rush-hour diesel trains could be provided to Kilcoole, Newcastle and Wicklow for a cost of £5.5 million and could be operational within a year. Providing this service would demonstrate the Government's commitment to reduce the damage to Wicklow's environment caused by cars. I would urge the eco-warriors to campaign for this train service and to agree to go quietly once it is provided.- Yours, etc., Derek Mitchell,
Chairman, Greystones Town Commission, Manor Avenue, Greystones, Co Wicklow.