Southbound Bettystown bus passengers get the cold shoulder from NTA
YOU’VE heard of walking on the sunny side of the street, but bus passengers from Bettystown to Drogheda will be hoping they’re standing on the sunny side!
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed it will install a new bus shelter on Eastham Road in Bettystown, across the road from Tesco, serving the northbound route to Laytown.
However, those travelling in the opposite direction will have to brave the elements, as funding can’t stretch to a second one there.
Louth TD Fergus O’Dowd confirmed that the NTA had agreed to a number of shelters in the East Meath area, following correspondence from him in March of this year.
“The is good news for Bettystown bus passengers. Deputy Chief Exec of the NTA, Hugh Creegan, has confirmed to me an adequate bus shelter will be installed opposite Tesco in the southbound direction towards Laytown.
“This has a significant number of commuters that need shelter on a daily basis and will be a great addition,” said Deputy O’Dowd.
It was also confirmed that a bus shelter will be placed at Inse Bay in Laytown, however disappointment has been expressed locally that there will be none at the bus stop from Bettystown to Drogheda or at other locations along the route.
“I would have thought myself Inse bay in Laytown, one on each side of the road and at one outside Pat’s Supermarket in Laytown would also get one,” said Helen Cunningham who uses the service.
“Every town, especially on the east coast, should have them as it’s a commuter belt, but it’s amazing how people have to fight for such a small simple amenity.”
Another resident said it is great news for the area, as they have been waiting well over 20 years to get a shelter alone.
“I wonder will there be a shelter put outside the Neptune hotel bus stop, as it seems that it isn’t possible to provide a shelter in a location towards the northbound direction,” commented Sarah Dunne.
Other parts of Meath and Louth have also been identified as in need of bus shelters on busy routes, including Clogherhead and the North Road in Drogheda.