Local bus shelters come from Germany at a cost of €30,000 each
Irish bus shelters come at a cost of €30,000 each and are procured from a company in Germany.
Resultingly, local authorities are placed on significant waiting lists to receive the shelters, leaving passengers across the country without suitable shelter at bus stops.
Explaining the procurement process, Waterford City and County Council Roads Director Gabriel Hynes said last week that the shelters are funded by the National Transport Authority.
“There won’t be an issue for funding for bus shelters or bus stops, the issue is getting them procured and installed, we are on the waiting list” he said.
Meanwhile, councillors expressed dissatisfaction with the design of the shelters, describing them as “totally unfit for purpose.”
Cllr Thomas Phelan (Lab) criticised the size of the shelters.
“I have written to the NTA to say that the standard design is totally unfit for purpose. Most shelters may as well be completely open to the elements" he said.
Mr. Hynes said that he will be meeting with the NTA in the coming weeks alongside Waterford Council Chief Executive Sean McKeown. Issues surrounding bus shelters will be on the agenda.
Read more on bus issues in Waterford HERE
