Laois 'discrimination' claimed over shelters costing €220k but 'confidence' more on the way

The installation of new bus shelters in Laois at a cost of €220,000 reflects 'discrimination' against rural areas according to a Laois County Councillor.

However, a senior councillor manager insists more shelters will be installed outside the bigger towns and is 'confident' that more money will come on stream to allow the council to do so.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Indpendent, raised the issue of bus shelters at a meeting with Laois County Council officials against the backdrop of five new shelters being erected in Portlaoise and elsewhere. Funding for the five was confirmed nearly two years ago by the National Transport Authority.

"Bus shelters are not expensive. Where there is a bus stop there must be a bus shelter. We want them in rural areas," he said.

Cllr Clooney said he 'feels for' people, including children and the elderly, are being forced to stand waiting for buses in the rain.

"It is not rocket science to put up a bus shelter. There are some going up but we could call it a bit of discrimination becuase some people have them and some people haven't. It's not a level playing field and I want the pitch levelled out," he said. 

He called for more shelters. He suggested that those with the power to have more shelters installed to see from themselves what it is like to wait for a bus.

"I want to send a clear message to the people in charge that they have to do better. They should stand out in the rain and wait and feel the wet," he said.

He said people are talking pie in the sky about climate change instead of installing bus shelters that would encourage the public to use public buses. 

He concluded by saying that he is not proud of himself as a public representative to see people standing in the rain waiting for buses.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, backed his colleague.

"It is terribly unfair to see people standing on the side of the road," he said. "We're putting up covers for bicycle racks but nothing for people standing waiting for buses," he said.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, also had a view. He said the National Transport Authority must play its part. He said he counted 22 people waiting at a bus stop in heavy rain without a shelter in Mountrath recently. He argued that people are being told to use public transport over cars.

"Why can't there be twenty new bus stops in Laois this year," he said.

Cllr Seamus McDonald, Fianna Fáil, added his voice to the argument.

"We've a great bus service now but women and children have to stand out in the rain every day getting wet to the skin," he said.

The issue was raised at the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting. There was no official reply to the points raised. The Leinster Express Laois Live asked the local authority about future plans and the cost of the shelters.

Simon Walton, Director of Services, replied in writing.

"Further to a funding allocation from the National Transport Authority, LCC has a contract in place to deliver five bus stops, complete with bus shelters (Ballybrittas one, Dublin Road, Portlaoise two and Shannon Street, Mountrath two).

"The combined costs of the civil works, for these five stops, is €220,000. The shelters are provided separately, directly by National Transport Authority, delivered to the site and dropped into position.

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"It is our intention to pursue further opportunities with NTA to expand the roll-out of bus shelters in County Laois, to enhance bus stops etc. I am confident that additional funds will emerge to support this," he said.

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The NTA has so far not replied to the Leinster Express / Laois Live with a comment.