'Unfortunate consequence' of electric buses puts strain on Limerick's road repair fund

A COUNCILLOR has appealed for increased funding for road repairs, saying the extra weight of electric buses have caused the tarmac to degrade quicker.

Sinn Fein councillor Sharon Benson had a notice of motion passed at this month’s local authority meeting that Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien and the National Transport Authority (NTA) be lobbied for extra funding.

Bus Eireann announced the introduction of electric buses into its Limerick fleet a year ago this week.

And Cllr Benson says that because of the weight of the rechargeable batteries on board, it is causing a greater strain on the road than traditional buses.

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Bus Eireann referred a query on this from the Limerick Leader to the NTA, which had not returned a request for comment at the time of going to press.

But the issue of electric buses, their extra weight and the impact on roads has been raised across the world.

It’s expected that in time, as the rechargeable batteries improve, their weight will decrease.

For now though, Cllr Benson wants to see more money put in to allow roadworks more often where needed.

This is especially important, she added, ahead of the rollout of BusConnects which will see far more regular services across Limerick.

“The move to an electric fleet was a positive move. But it's important to point out the new electric fleet is heavier than the old fleet. An electric bus can be anywhere between two to three tonnes heavier than its diesel counterpart due to the weight of the battery. The unfortunate consequence of this is damage to infrastructure,” Cllr Benson told this month’s council meeting.

Before electric buses came into Limerick, Cllr Benson said roads would degrade slightly quicker than normal wear and tear.

“Since the introduction of the electric fleet, its deterioration is rapid to the point that the damage is far more severe,” she said, pointing out tarmac on the road is being pushed up onto footpaths.

Cllr Benson said some roads in estates are not made with suitable enough material to take the weight of electric buses.

“It’s a very real issue into the future if we can't identify a source of funding now for the routes,” she said.

Her call for support was supported by Independent councillor Ursula Gavan, and Cllr Shane Hickey O’Mara of the Social Democrats.

“I didn't realise a two-to-three tonne bus could cause that damage,” Cllr Gavan said.