Councillor wants bus stop moved back 25 metres to its original site

THE movement of a bus stop 25 metres from its original location to ensure Ukrainian refugees can access a bus service has been called into question with a local councillor demanding the bus stop be returned to its first location as the new bus stop site is causing traffic congestion. However, if this happens, the refugees for whom the stop was moved what was described as “the length of one bus”, will not be able to access the bus service, an official from Sligo County Council stated at a meeting of the Borough District of Sligo on Monday.

Cllr Gino O’Boyle told councillors that the change in location by the Office of Public Works (OPW) has caused traffic to back up and local residents have experienced difficulties and delays because of the change.

His claims that the switch caused traffic problems were refuted by area engineer Thomas Kerins from Sligo County Council who said he drives in the area every day and has never witnessed a problem.

Mr Kerins said the bus stop was moved approximately 25 metres to facilitate access to the OPW Modular site at Doorly Park. He said Sligo County Council is “not aware of any negative implications” as a result of the bus stop being relocated.

Cllr O’Boyle said he had been contacted by residents in the Doorly Park area following the removal of the bus stop from its original “more central” location.

He said he believed there were a lot more issues now for residents trying to get in and out of their property, adding that at times drivers were experiencing delays getting in and out of the area.

Cllr O’Boyle said a lot of roads were now “backed up” when the bus stops at the new bus stop location. “A lot of cars now have to reverse because at times it can take a long time to get some movement considering the amount of people that are now living in Doorly Park with the “new development,” he said.

Cllr O’Boyle added that since the bus stop was moved a lot more damage has been done to cars with wing mirrors having to be replaced over a period of time. He understood at no stage during discussions about the “new development” in Doorly Park were there discussions about moving the bus stop.

“That’s what I am gathering from residents. The OPW have not consulted with any residents,” he said.

Mr Kerins said there was consultation between the Council and OPW before the bus stop was moved: “There was consultation, but it was of an emergency nature and the bus stop was moved to create access into the Ukrainian OPW site.

“For context the bus stop was moved the length of a bus or maybe a bus and a half. We are not aware of any issues.

“I spoke to Bus Éireann who are not aware of any issues, the guards are not aware of any issues and the roads department. I drive it every day, I have never seen any issues, but we will monitor it, but for context, the bus stop has been moved the length of one bus.”

Cllr O’Boyle said residents living there are the people impacted by it

He said if the motion is passed, he would ask the Council to write to the OPW to revert the bus stop back to its original location.

Mr Kerins: “If we put it back to where it was located, it cuts off access to the Ukrainian site.” Cllr O’Boyle: “As you said, it’s just the length of a bus, they [the Ukrainians] can walk it.” Mr Kerins: “But they can’t access it. That’s the vehicular access into the site. They need to drive into the site, that’s why it was moved.”

Cllr O’Boyle repeated that it was causing issues for the residents of Doorly Park, and some action needed to be taken.

Mr Kerins: “From a roads point of view it has moved 25 metres and we are not aware of any issues. We can consult with the OPW.”

The Mayor, Cllr Declan Bree suggested that the location would be examined, and a report be prepared for their next meeting.

This was agreed.