Appeal for shelters at Mayo bus stops

PEOPLE left standing out in the rain for buses is a situation that cannot continue.

Councillors in east and south Mayo want to see shelters erected at stops.

Councillor Tom Connolly kicked off the debate when he asked Mayo County Council to seek funding from Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority (NTA) for two shelters in Ballindine.

He was happy to hear back that they are on the agenda for funding in 2023.

A number of people had approached him about the need for shelters, especially during bad weather, with people standing out in the rain.

It's the same on the N17 at Kilkelly, said Councillor John Caulfield, where the express buses don't go into the town.

Patients going to Galway for treatment were getting soaked, and here they were trying to encourage people to use public transport, he noted.

The Kilkelly situation is a health and safety matter, commented Councillor Gerry Murray, with cars parked on the hard shoulder and people standing in the lashing rain.

It would only take a few minutes for buses to go into Kilkelly, even on the grounds of safety. Knock and Cong were also identified as areas needing shelters by Councillor Damien Ryan given the volume of visitors to both.

Members were told a submission is being prepared for Kilkelly. Ballinrobe, Ballindine and Knock are also identified for upgrading.

The point was also made that getting agreement on bus shelter locations can be difficult. Everyone wants them but not outside their door.