Passengers feel unsafe at Laois bus stop 

A VILLAGE bus stop with no shelter or lighting may be moved to another location, after complaints from worried passengers.

Many people are not using the TFI Local Link bus stop because they fear for their safety, a council meeting was told.

The company will be asked to consider moving the bus stop in Spink village from its current location outside Tirlán to Knock primary school, following an appeal at the latest meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District (MD).

The appeal was made by Cllr Barry Walsh, who said that he was contacted about the issue by a number of local people.

He said: “Many locals are not using the Tirlán stop, as it is isolated and not lit up. The primary school location has lighting and has room for a lay-by if required.” 

He added: “The Tirlán creamery stop is not suitable, as it’s not well lit and it’s not sheltered, so there's nowhere to stand in in bad weather. I'm told that not too many people are using Tirlán, because there is no cover and it's not lit up.” 

Cllr Walsh said the school location would be preferable, as it has room for a 52-seater school bus and is well lit. It is also in a 50kph zone and has room for a shelter.

The proposal was seconded by his Fine Gael party colleague Cllr Paddy Buggy, who said locals would prefer if the stop were located at the school.

The Local Link route 822 that goes through Spink every day also takes in Mountrath, Abbeyleix, Ballinakill, Heywood Gardens, The Swan, Clogh, Moneenroe, Crettyard, Newtown, Tolerton, Killeshin, Graiguecullen and Carlow town.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly also agreed with the proposal and asked whether it would be possible for the bus to stop at other locations, between the existing bus stops, to pick up local passengers.

Cllr Fennelly said: “Some people who don't have transport live two or three kilometres away. I know one family trying to get their daughter to college, as she has no car. Is there any possibility that passengers like that could be picked up?"

Director of Services Simon Walton replied that bus drivers are mandated to stop only at designated bus stops.

In response to Cllr Walsh’s proposal, an official from Laois Co Council’s active travel section said they would consult with the office of Laois-Offaly TFI Local Link, ‘with a view to identifying the most efficient location’ for the bus stop in Spink.

Mr Walton said: “It is a matter for the county council to determine where the stop is located and we will reconsider the location of the bus stop in Spink. 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 then for TFI (Transport for Ireland), who issue the licence. It will also have to be communicated to users.”