Latest on bus shelter saga

A decision on whether or when Kilcullen gets a bus shelter is now pending the confirmation of how much funding is to be allocated to Kildare County Council by the National Transport Authority for the provision of bus shelters throughout the county, writes Brian Byrne.

The long-running saga moved a step closer in November of last year when Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy arranged a meeting between Sr Máire of the Cross & Passion sisters, then Area Engineer David Reel, and with the assistance of KCA's Noel Clare. This resulted in agreement by Sr Máire to provide land which would allow a bus to pull in to a stop with a shelter.

Subsequently the NTA agreed in principle to provide a bus shelter for Kilcullen, and KCC was to apply for funds for it.

"The new Director of Transport, Tadhg McDonnell, has taken over the directorate and met with the NTA in recent weeks re funding for the design and installation of this and other bus shelters," Cllr McLoughlin Healy says. "Since that meeting the Director has informed me that the NTA will be allocating a pool of money for the council to install bus shelters around the county."

The latest update is that once confirmation of the amount of the allocation is received, the director of Transport will be making a decision on where to spend it. "I will be communicating further with him once funds have been allocated to ensure Kilcullen is prioritised for a bus shelter," the councillor says.

Meanwhile, at today's meeting of the Kildare Newbridge MD, Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer has a motion asking that three bus shelter locations be identified in Kilcullen, to facilitate passengers being picked up at Cnoc Na Greine, at the traffic lights on main street,  and in the vicinity of the Kayfoam Factory.

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Two councillors to raise bus shelter at meeting

Cllrs O'Dwyer and McLoughlin Healy.

The subject of a bus shelter in Kilcullen will again be raised at the upcoming meeting of the Kildare Newbridge Municipal District, scheduled for Wednesday 17 June in Áras Chill Dara, writes Brian Byrne.

Councillor Fiona McLoughlin Healy is asking for a progress report on the delivery of bus shelters in the municipal district to include an update on the handover of land offered to facilitate a bus shelter in Kilcullen; the funding allocated by the National Transport Authority to fund bus shelters across the municipal district?

Councillor Tracey O’Dwyer is asking the Council to confirm that following her motion at the February meeting, that a request was sent to the National Transport Authority to carry out a suitability assessment identifying three bus shelter locations in Kilcullen, and did the National Transport Authority respond?

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Take another look at the bus shelter issue

The business of bus shelters in Kilcullen comes up again with word that 'after technical examination' the bus stop in Kilcullen has been deemed unsuitable for a shelter, writes Brian Byrne.

Well, I'm not an engineer, let alone an expert working with Bus Eireann, Kildare County Council or the NTA, but it seems to me that there can be a solution to providing shelter on the narrow footpath.

Any Google search of 'cantilever bus shelter' will show up hundreds of examples of shelters whose structures wouldn't block the path while there aren't any people waiting for the bus.

Indeed, with a little bit of thinking outside the box of rule books, and a probable cooperation from the good people at Cross & Passion, there's no reason why the supports for the shelter can't be on the convent side of the wall, with the roof arching over to provide an 'umbrella' from the rain.

Have another look, guys. But take off the blinkers first.

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Bus shelter petition handed in

The members of the Bridge Camphill-organised Transitional Training Programme who have been working on a project to gain a bus shelter for Kilcullen handed in a petition of more than 800 signatures from the town to Kildare County Council today, writes Brian Byrne.

Accompanied by the Programme Co-ordinators Janice Culley and Esther Magrena, they handed the petition to KCC Area Engineer David Reel, who gave the group some very encouraging advice on how to progress the matter further. Following on the advice, the group will continue to work with local organisations and businesses to eventually get a shelter.

Janice Culley, who leaves the Programme at the end of this week, says it has been a wonderful experience for the trainees as it has brought them into close working contact with councillors, the Cross and Passion College, Kildare Community Action, the local newspaper and the business people of Kilcullen.

"I wish everyone all the best with the continued efforts," she added. "I am very happy that Esther will keep up the momentum and I will certainly be there for the unveiling of the bus shelter!"

Pictured above are (back) Michael, Evin, Cllr Sorcha O'Neill, Peter, David Reel, Karolina, and Esther Magrena, and (front) Janice Culley with Jan, Niamh, Megan, and Sam. Missing from the photograph are James and Mark.

Deputy wants Kilcullen bus stop relocated

The current stop has been in existence since the 1920s.

A plan for the bus stop in Kilcullen to be moved from its current location has been proposed by Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin, because the current site doesn't facilitate the erection of a shelter, writes Brian Byrne.

The Fianna Fail TD for Kildare South has submitted proposals to the National Transport Authority and Kildare County Council to move the location further south along the street to a more suitable location.

She says she had previously been informed by the NTA that the current location in Kilcullen was 'unsuitable' for the erection of a shelter.

She has made a similar proposal for the existing bus stop in Suncroft.

The current bus stop opposite The Hideout has been a key community, people transport, and freight link since the 1920s.

In 2014, a petition was gathered by a group of people who use the services of the Bridge Camphill Community to seek the provision of a bus shelter.

In 2015, Cllr Fintan Brett made representations on the matter, when was told that it is a 'difficult' matter because it involves the NRA, Bus Eireann, Kildare County Council, and because there are insurance issues and the fact that multiple bus companies use the route.

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No timeline yet for bus shelter

The Transportation Department of Kildare County Council is not in a position to give an estimated timeline for the provision of a bus shelter in Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

This was communicated to Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy at the recent meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge MD. The councillor had asked for a ‘ballpark timeline’ on starting the works, as well as seeking an update on the legal transfer of the land for the bus shelter from the Cross & Passion sisters.

The report noted that legal representatives managing this land transfer on behalf of the Transportation Department are working through finalising the contractual documents.

The officials also noted that the consent of the Charities Regulator is also required in this instance.

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'Substantial' number of bus shelter applications

A request for a bus shelter in Kilcullen can be included in an application to the National Transport Authority, Naas MD councillors have been told, writes Brian Byrne.

But they were also informed that the current number of such requests countrywide is 'substantial', and that alternatively it's open to bus operators to apply for planning permission to put up their own shelters.

The response was to a motion from Cllr Sorcha O'Neill seeking the provision of a shelter.

Currently a group in the Bridge Camphill Community is gathering a petition to have the Council provide the shelter.

No bus shelter for Kilcullen ... yet

The location has been used as a bus stop since 1929.

Restrictions on footpath width in Kilcullen is the reason why the National Transport Authority do not have the town on the current list for bus shelters, writes Brian Byrne.

The matter was raised by way of a motion from Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer at yesterday's meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge MD, which heard that the current list of approved bus shelter installations will not be revisited until they are completed over the next two years.

Officials said the NTA had assessed the situation opposite the Applegreen petrol station in Kilcullen, 'and made their determination' that there is insufficient space. "If we don't have the space, then that's unfortunate," councillors were told. "It doesn't happen very often."

The MD members were told that the NTA provides the shelters in conjunction with the Council. In relation to the Kilcullen issue, Cllr Kevin Duffy asked if any alternatives had been looked at? He was told that in some MDs, councillors have used LPT funding to provide 'smaller' bus shelters, but this did not fit with national strategy. "The NTA objective is to have standard bus shelters across the country," officials said. "If councillors go different ways, we don't get a standard."

Cllr Suzanne Doyle noted that funding for shelters should be from the budget provided by NTA, rather than alternatives such as LPT. "If the NTA wants to train people to use alternative transport, then they need to provide for that out of budget."

Cllr Duffy, who was proposing the motion on behalf of Cllr O'Dwyer, who was absent, said the overall matter merited more discussion.

ED NOTE: The Diary has previously suggested an 'unblinkered' look at options. And as far back as 2014, members of the Bridge Camphill community made a detailed presentation and petition to KCC for shelters to be provided. 



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'No timeline' yet for promised bus shelter

Kildare County Council has no timeline yet for the provision of the long-mooted bus shelter in Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy was informed of this at Wednesday's meeting of the Kildare Newbridge Municipal District, in response to a scheduled question.

The answer added that the Council is in the process of preparing the 2021 works programme.

Cllr McLoughlin Healy noted that the Council has committed to delivering the shelter in 2021.

Ground has been donated by Cross and Passion College to make the shelter possible. The matter has been 'live' in Kilcullen since as far back as 2014. 

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Bus shelter progress request

The plans for a bus shelter in Kilcullen will again be raised at the next meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, writes Brian Byrne.

Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy has tabled a question seeking an update on the plans and engagement with the Charity Regulator, regarding the transfer of land from the Cross & Passion sisters to enable the provision of the shelter.

The need for a shelter has been highlighted for more than a decade now. 

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Bus shelter plan 'agreed in principle'

Kilcullen bus stop 1929.

A long sought bus shelter for Kilcullen is now a step closer with an agreement in principle that land will be gifted by the CPC trustees for the purpose, writes Brian Byrne.

Last night's meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard that Sr Maire O'Sullivan of the Cross and Passion Order and a former staff member from Kilcullen, had agreed to the idea subject to a suitable design.

Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy said the shelter will be part of the next round of applications to the National Transport Authority in January.

"Sr Maire was hugely helpful, and it was clear that she has Kilcullen very much in her heart," the councillor said.

The meeting welcomed the news.

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Petition for bus shelter

Kilcullen bus stop c1929.

A petition to ask Kildare County Council to provide a bus shelter in Kilcullen can be signed in An Tearmann, writes Brian Byrne.

The matter has been rumbling along for some years, and a recent request to the Council to provide one at the current bus stop locations brought the response that the footpaths at the stops are too narrow.

If shelters are to be provided, it would require the relocation of the stops. Cllr Sorcha O'Neill says people signing the petition might offer suggestions for alternative locations.

The current bus stop opposite The Hideout has been a key community, people transport, and freight link since the 1920s.

More push on bus shelter issue

Clarification on the process to have private individuals or companies sponsor public facilities, such as a bus shelter, is being sought by Naas MD councillor James Lawless, writes Brian Byrne.

His motion at this week's MD meeting on this was based on the fact that a potential commercial sponsor has been identified for the provision of a number of bus shelters in mid-Kildare communities, including Kilcullen. Cllr Lawless has been seeking the provision of such shelters for some time.

He says his query at this week's meeting resulted in a 'not entirely satisfactory' response from the Council. "It seemed to suggest I might need to contact the National Transport Authority or maybe Bus Eireann again, which seemed to me to be going in circles," he told the Diary. "It appears to be somewhat of a unique situation that a private individual is prepared to fund public works and the council do not appear to have dealt with it before."

However, as there is definitely a precedent for commercial sponsors interacting with local authorities in relation to maintaining road roundabouts and green areas, he will investigate further, and will be meeting with relevant officials and engineers on the matter.

A Kilcullen bus shelter ... not

Bus commuters in Kilcullen have been campaigning for a proper bus shelter, or even a minimal one, for years, writes Brian Byrne. Without much joy.

While the powers that be continue to mull over it, here’s a thought they might add to the possibilities. It’s the latest in bus shelters from Singapore.

It has a rack of books, geared for all ages. Lots of seating. A roof garden, bicycle parking, and a swing.

And it is digitally connected to the city’s internet services, so those waiting can download ebooks from the national library simply by scanning a QR code, while interactive digital signboards provide travel planning and timetable information, news, and weather forecast.

Just a thought, guys. We can all dream …

Bus shelter petition for Council

A project group based in the Bridge Camphill community will present a petition asking for a bus shelter to be provided in Kilcullen, to Kildare County Council this week, writes Brian Byrne.

The 9-strong group has been working on the project since the summer, because they're tired of getting wet while waiting for their buses home to Naas, Newbridge and Athy after attending the Transitional Training Programme at the Community.

They have been collecting signatures on their petition since being rebuffed by the Council on the basis of the footpath at the bus stop not being wide enough. But they believe there are types of bus shelters which wouldn't impede other users of the footpath.

Pictured above are group members Megan, James, Michael and Peter, with Jan Culley, co-cordinator of the Transitional Training Programme at the Bridge Camphill Community.

Bridge Community group fighting for bus shelter

This is Megan, James, Michael and Peter, with Jan Culley, co-cordinator of the Transitional Training Programme at the Bridge Camphill Community, and they're part of a 9-strong group who are taking the right to a bus shelter to Kilcullen streets, writes Brian Byrne.

They're asking people to sign a petition to Kildare County Council for the shelter, which the Council's experts say can't be provided because the footpath is too narrow.

That's not a good enough response, say the group, who took on the project as part of their course, but also because they're tired of getting wet in the winter while heading back to their homes in Naas, Newbridge and Athy.

They've received support already from a number of councillors of the Naas MD, and they're prepared to take their case to a higher political level if necessary.

Their full story is on the Kilcullen Page of this week's Kildare Nationalist.

Move on bus shelters

Bus Eireann is undertaking an appraisal of all requests and petitions for bus shelters, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, writes Brian Byrne.

According to Cllr Sorcha O'Neill, the company says it will be in a position to 'verify new locations' when funding is in place 'in the next couple of months'.

The councillor says Kildare County Council has confirmed that it is the responsibility of bus service providers to provide bus shelters, for which they must bear the cost and get planning permissions.

"Having had numerous requests for bus shelters in Kilcullen and Kill, it's good to get the clarification on the matter," Cllr O'Neill said after contacting Bus Eireann for an update on the requests and petitions submitted. "I hope we can have new shelters in place before winter sets in."

A group from the Bridge Camphill Community are among those who have led the campaign for the provision of a bus shelter in Kilcullen.

Council 'not funded for bus shelters'

Kildare County Council is not grant-aided to provide bus shelters, and any application for one should be lodged with Bus Eireann, councillors of Naas MD have been told, writes Brian Byrne. The discussion was in relation to requests that a shelter be provided in Kilcullen.

At their meeting this afternoon, a report from the District Engineer noted that grant aid is provided by the National Transport Authority to Bus Eireann for the installation of new or replacement shelters, on a limited basis annually. Local authorities are not funded for shelters under current arrangements, the councillors heard.

The report also noted that private bus operators are only grant-aided for shelters on Public Service Obligation routes, and in such instances these are provided through Bus Eireann. Also, private operators must have a prior agreement with Bus Eireann for the shared use of such shelters, as well as the provision of timetable and other information within them.

The District Engineer concluded that this would, therefore, suggest that all requests for bus shelters should be lodged with Bus Eireann rather than with Kildare County Council or directly with the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Bus stop to change with CPC building

Proposed new location of the bus stop, opposite HSE Health Centre.

The main bus stop in Kilcullen will be moved in the course of the Cross & Passion College new school building programme, writes Brian Byrne. When that happens, it will break a tradition of the current bus stop position going back almost a century.

The new location will be opposite the HSE Health Centre in a recessed area taking in part of the existing CPC grounds. According to the planning permission granted to the College, there will also be a bi-directional cycleway constructed along the frontage of the property, as part of Kildare County Council's Active Travel policy.

Kildare County Council has been in negotiation for a number of years with the Cross & Passion sisters for the transfer of land to provide a bus shelter.

Building the cycle way may also require moving the existing wall and railings, due to the requirement to maintain the road width at 6 metres, the footpath, and a 2.5-metres for the cycle way.

The current bus stop opposite The Hideout has been a key community, people transport, and freight link since the 1920s (pictured below is a bus at the stop c1929).

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Bus shelter 'awaiting Charities Regulator consent' - Council

Image: Google Maps.

The provision of a bus shelter in Kilcullen, using land offered by the Cross and Passion sisters, is currently awaiting consent from the Charities Regulator, writes Brian Byrne.

That was the response to a question from Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy at the recent meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge MD seeking an update on the matter, including 'reassurances about the number and nature of communications between the council’s legal advisors and the legal advisors acting for the owners'.

Officials told her the Roads Department are actively progressing this matter with the Council's legal team. "Once the consent of the Charities Regulator is given to the Cross and Passion Convent, the acquisition of the plot of land by the Council can proceed."

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