Only Offaly's larger towns will have Bus Shelters

ONLY the larger towns in Offaly will have Bus Shelters, a Council meeting was recently told. Other areas will be given uncovered Bus Stops.
For the last couple of years it's often been pointed out that there's a serious lack of Bus Stops in Offaly. Many people have also been calling for the construction of Bus Shelters. Unfortunately, the recent meeting of Birr Municipal District was told that Bus Shelters cannot be constructed in urban areas which are below a certain population.
This means that in Birr Municipal District, Birr Town will be the only place which will qualify for a Shelter. The town will have only one Shelter. In the other urban areas those using public transport will have to continue braving the elements.
The Area Engineer Brian Keenaghan told the meeting that the construction of TFI Bus Stops is likely to start in Q1 2026. "Bus Stop marking and signage," Mr Keenaghan remarked, "is likely to commence during Q1 2026 at the following locations: Birr, Crinkill, Banagher, Cloghan, Pollagh, Clonmacnoise, Belmont, Shannonbridge, Kinnitty, Moneygall, Ferbane and Shinrone.
“The locations have been reviewed and consultations are ongoing with the National Transport Authority regarding funding. The construction is likely to commence in Q1 2026, subject to agreement on the extent of the work and the funding availability.”
Some months ago, during another Birr MD monthly meeting, Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy pointed out that a Bus Shelter should be constructed in Emmet Square, Birr. “People of all ages use the Local Link buses stopping there,” she said, “and I think it's really unacceptable that elderly people are expected to wait for their buses while exposed to all weathers." She added that she would also like the Bus Shelter's design to be in keeping with Birr's Heritage Town status.
The lack of Bus Stops and Bus Shelters in Offaly has been raised by Councillors in several meetings over the last few years. In one meeting a councillor said the situation is "really unacceptable and chaotic. Throughout the whole county there isn't a safe and suitable bus stop network."

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