Laois bus passengers feel unsafe using Local Link bus stop

Laois bus passengers feel unsafe using the Local Link service at a rural unlit bus stop, so much so that they aren't using it at all.

A Portlaoise Municipal District councillor has asked for the troublesome location at Spink to be swapped for a bus stop used by Heywood Community School.

The TFI Local Link route runs every day between Mountrath, Abbeyleix, Ballinakill, Heywood Gardens, Spink, The Swan, Clogh GAA Grounds, Clogh Shop, Moneenroe, Crettyard, Newtown, Tolerton, Killeshin, Graiguecullen and Carlow.

Cllr Barry Walsh tabled a motion with his request to the December district meeting. He described the concern of passengers.

"I was contacted by locals. the location is the Tirlán creamery. It's not well lit. There's nowhere to stand in in bad weather. they are looking at Heywood, where there is room for a 52 seater school bus to stop. It's well lit. It's in the 50km zone, and there's room for a shelter as well. 

"I'm told that not too many people are using Tirlán because there's no cover and it's not lit up," he said.

Cllr Paddy Buggy seconded the motion.

"it's right, they would prefer it at the school," he said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly also asked if the bus would stop between bus stops to pick up local passengers.

"Some people who don't have transport live two or three kilometres away. I know one family trying to get their daughter to college, she has no car, is there any possibility?" he asked.

Laois County Council say they will consult with the office of Laois Offaly Local Link, with a view to identifying the most efficient location for the bus stop.

Simon Walton is Director of Services.

"It is a matter for Laois County Council where the stop is located. The roads authority will consult with Local Link. If Local Link agree we can relocate it.

"The alternative seems preferable but it's a matter for the council, then for the NTA (National Transport Authority) and the TFI (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) who issue the licence. It will have to be communicated to users," Mr Walton said.

Read next: Plan to demolish Laois pub and build houses instead

There was less hopeful news for Cllr Fennelly's request for mid busstop passenger pickups.

"the driver is mandated to stop only at designated stops," he said.