The letter below appeared in The Irish Times yesterday, Tuesday. It’s worth noting the letter writer does not mention that the new buses that travel between Tralee and Dingle do not take bicycles.
Sir, – Finbar Kearns is right about the challenges of sustainable transport in rural Ireland (Letters, December 31st) but I wish to offer hope that we are not as he fears “destined to depend on significant car usage forevermore”.
Eamon Ryan visited the Dingle Peninsula (a windy and remote, mountainous peninsula where our population is older, more sparsely populated and car-dependent than most parts) to discuss this very problem.
Our plan to reduce the number of car-driven trips and car ownership is now a Pathfinder Project aimed at demonstrating what is actually possible for rural Ireland. Among other aims, our seven-times daily bus service around the peninsula must be improved and connections made more affordable and convenient.
At sheltered bus-stops, mobility hubs for affordable car, bike and e-bike rental will facilitate journeys onward, and road redesign will encourage more walking and cycling.
Car usage is not only bad for the environment, but expensive and ultimately reduces our opportunities for good health and interaction with our neighbours. Not everyone will or can switch, and most of us will retain a car, but we know that there is significant room for car shedding and a return to the joys of active travel that in fairness has stood us in good stead for many millennia. There is hope, and we must at least try! – Is mise,
Dr PEADAR Ó FIONNÁIN,
Dingle,
Co Kerry.
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