Twenty-seven locations looked at for bus stops

More than two dozen locations stretching almost the length of County Cavan, from Belturbet to the Meath border, have been assessed for delivering infrastructure such as bus shelters for commuters using public transport.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) took the lead on examining sites along the route, with consideration now being given to which sites are best suited for such investment.

The detail was shared with Cavan county councillors by Director of Services Paddy Connaughton when they met for their January monthly meeting.

The update was provided on foot of a motion tabled by Fine Gael’s T.P. O’Reilly, who complained that there are “no set down areas” in rural locations, meaning that passengers entering or exiting transport often have to step down onto uneven or unstructured surfaces.

He suggested that the council might look at the prospect of providing concrete plinths.

The motion was supported by his party colleague Trevor Smith, who said there “needs to be better facilities” for people utilising public transport, especially when so much money is being pumped into promoting the sector.

He said there was an issue at New Inns where passengers had to walk 200 metres along a hard shoulder.

Independent Ireland’s Shane P O’Reilly agreed. He highlight long running issues with regards to commuter facilities at Whitegate outside Virginia, especially with traffic heading northbound towards Virginia.

He welcomed the increase in public transport made available in Mullagh, but lamented the lack of adequate facilities for those waiting, and he questioned if it was the council who is liable if a member of the public is injured at any of the stops.

Fianna Fáil’s Áine Smith gave her backing too.