More bus stops needed in Portlaoise say councillors
A bus stop was sought for the retirement village in Kilminchy
WHILE councillors in Portlaoise and council officials agree that the new bus service in the town is proving to be an excellent, well-used service, some on the other hand are asking that the routes be extended to other areas.
That in essence is what the cathaoirleach of the Portlaoise Municipal District Council cllr Paddy Buggy asked for at their April meeting.
In particular cathaoirleach Buggy called on the council to install an additional bus stop near the retirement village in Kilminchy.
He said that locating a bus stop in this location would facilitate the elderly people who are living in the village and allow them to access the service.
Noting the content of cathaoirleach Buggy’s motion, the council’s director of services Simon Walton said that he would communicate with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the matter.
Cathaoirleach Buggy said: “The locals living in the retirement village were of the assumption, when the service was being rolled out, that a bus stop would be located nearby. They were very disappointed when it didn’t materialise.
“They have asked that we examine the possibility of getting another stop there because the incline up to where the existing bus stop is located is fairly steep with broken terrain for wheelchairs.”
“It would improve the facilities for our elderly,” said cathaoirleach Buggy, because we are all going to be old ourselves someday.”
Supporting the motion, cllr Tommy Mulligan said: “Our elderly should always be prioritised.”
