Offaly's bus service needs proper stops and shelters - Cllr Clendennen

A LOCAL councillor told the January meeting of Offaly County Council that Offaly's bus service is sorely lacking because there are no proper stops or shelters.

"The situation is really unacceptable and chaotic," Cllr John Clendennen told the meeting. "Throughout the whole county there isn't a safe and suitable bus stop network.

"It's really important that we remedy this and create a proper network." The councillor said he wants permanent stops erected in every town and village, complete with live and relevant timetables with QR codes.

He added that he wants to see shelters constructed at these stops as well, to protect people from the elements.

Cllr Clendennen put forward a motion asking for greater collaboration between the council and all bus companies operating in the county.

Cllr Declan Harvey fully agreed with Cllr Clendennen, adding that in Tullamore the situation is very unsatisfactory. "There's confusion about where the buses will be stopping, and it's impossible to get a timetable anywhere. It's not good." He seconded the motion.

Cllr Clendennen said the aim of his motion was to "encourage greater public transport usage, improved safety and service for passengers and reduced carbon emissions."

He said the Local Link service is fantastic for rural communities and he wants to see it expanding. "We need to ensure that people using Local Link know where the bus stop is and that they can also access a timetable."