The clamour over the announced shelving of the Mayo-Galway section of the Western Rail Corridor this week is not as loud as it could be. Yes, there has been some strong and swift reaction from predictable quarters declaring this rural slight by Government must simply not be tolerated, but on the whole objections are fairly mute. This is interesting given that the development of a train route connecting the west with neighbouring towns and cities other than our Dublin capital is something many voices have argued for over the years. It might have been expected that staunch campaigners would therefore lobby right through from A-Z on the project, but no, many seem to be taking this latest hitch sitting down. Perhaps the 'silly season' is to blame or maybe just the holidays. Out of sight, out of mind, sort of thing.
Given the hard times we continue to live through, cancellations and postponement of plans are par for the course. 'Surviving over thriving' might sum up our new life motto and consequently, the long-fingering of projects with future deadlines is not only to be expected, but readily accepted too. Day-to-day living is now the priority as people plan for the short- rather than the long-term. For many right now that means making the most of what is left of the summer and then preparing for the return to the new school and college term come September. Fair dues must therefore go to those parents who already have the back-to-school requirements in the bag - the uniforms, the books, the shoes etc. You are ahead of the game!
Happily, there is a big plus side to living in the present as it means positive everyday experiences are much more pronounced. More attention is paid to the finer detail so that sweet things seem to taste sweeter with the smallest treats enjoyed as a luxury. So it is that the little things count for more once again and everything from friendly gestures, a smiling face, a spontaneous chat in the street, the offer of a cup of tea, or a phone-call just to say hello are all greatly appreciated. Those nice little touches offered also by the world of business — free daily newspapers in coffee shops, top value hotel deals throwing breakfast/ dinner/kids’ club activity extras into packages, last minute discounts — all now speak volumes to people. They make us feel we still count for something. We still matter. There is plenty to live and fight for yet.
The influx of more than 20,000 people into the county for two separate events in recent weeks — the Connacht final match and the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick — have equally been very telling. Clearly we want to be out and about happy and celebrating again. We long for occasions to come together. We will turn up at feel-good events and party like there really is no tomorrow. This is evident yet again this week as up to 150,000 punters descend on Galway for the annual racing festival, where an estimated €70 million worth of bets are expected to be placed. Congratulations all round to those partaking in the fun!
On a national level the extraordinarily good news this week of the government plan to invest €40 million in educational and road infrastructure and the anticipated creation of 30,000 jobs for the construction sector is genuine cause for celebration. This massive gesture is not to be sniffed at and must hold sway over the no-investment rail corridor local story this week. It’s what we should focus on this August Bank Holiday weekend, while making the best of the welcome break.
