Sir, - When is an increase not an increase? When Irish Rail announces one, it would appear. The latest rise in fares on Inter-City routes is accompanied by the claim that there has not been such an increase in eight years.
I have travelled on the notorious Sligo-Dublin line for the past five years as a student. In 1995 the student weekend return fare was £12.50; it is now £15, an increase of 20 per cent over the period.
Although the student rate has not been affected on this occasion, it is disingenuous of Irish Rail to present its figures in this manner, especially given the substandard nature of the service provided. - Yours, etc., David Rouse,
Donnybrook Court, Dublin 4.