Silly comparison

There are an increasing number of politicians, bus and train workers and union people confusing water charges with free travel.

Let’s be quite clear and distinguish between the two. Water has a production cost, and once used it goes down the drain and is lost with no ongoing benefit.

Free travel enables OAPs to travel, socialise and visit city centres for shopping. In almost all cases the seats occupied would go unused – and additionally, by travelling, these OAPs can contribute to local economies.

These contributions could include, for example, buying a sandwich and coffee from the trolley on a train, or purchases in a bus station shop. OAPs are also being granted access to Dublin city centre, which is crying out for more shoppers.

Those who glibly bracket water charges with free travel should try being aged 83

William Shortland, Blessington, Co Wicklow.