Only three bus stop sites in Carlow suitable for shelters
Stock photo
JUST three bus stops in Co Carlow are suitable for shelters, according to a report on the bus stop enhancement programme presented to county councillors at their July meeting.
Orla Barrett, senior council engineer, said that most of the 30 bus stop locations surveyed were not suitable for shelters because the sites were too constrained. Instead, the €500,000 funding pot for this year will go towards upgrading curbs, adding tactile paving, road markings and poles at 15 stops – bringing all the stops up to a basic similar standard.
New bench seating may be installed where a shelter is not possible.
Two of the shelters are at Pairc Mhuire in Tullow and at Carlow bus station. Bauer Media installs and supply them with advertising, explained Ms Barrett.
“People’s expectation is that they would be shelters,” noted cllr Fintan Phelan.
Ms Bennett said the focus was more on ensuring that people don’t have to step out “into the bushes” when they’re exiting the bus, but rather onto a concrete curb. “It’s not to provide a bus shelter at all locations,” she said. “It’s a very positive news story.”
Work on the upgrades is due to begin next month, with a focus on school areas first while the summer holidays continue. The funding is multi-annual, meaning improvements to the remaining stops could continue until 2029.
“It is good news that this is moving forward,” said cllr Dan Pender. However, he asked that the shelters being provided be designed around the weather, so that they offer some protection from the wind and rain.
