Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2004
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if, arising from his comments to Dáil Éireann following the tragedy at the bus stop-shelter at City Quay, Dublin, he will address on an early date the important issue of the provision of bus stops and shelters in accordance with health and safety standards at the various required locations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27696/04]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 156, which I answered on Tuesday, 2 November 2004. The position is unchanged.
The Garda Síochána is the responsible authority for the location of bus stops in Dublin. This power is vested in the Garda Commissioner under section 85 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Under that section, the Commissioner may issue a direction to a bus operator identifying the specific location of bus stops in respect of any bus route. I understand the gardaí engage in a consultation process with both the local authority and the bus service provider before issuing a direction under section 85.
The review of the location of bus stops following the Dublin Bus tragedy is ongoing by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. Dublin Bus has completed the development of a database to facilitate this review process. It is anticipated that this joint review will be completed by mid-2005.
To date there are in excess of 1200 bus shelters in the Dublin area. Dublin Bus is proposing to introduce a further 400 over the next five years. Dublin Bus has a contract with a shelter provider company to erect shelters at stops. The cost of erecting shelters is financed from the advertising revenue. I am informed by Dublin Bus that it is policy that all relevant planning and safety legislation is complied with.
To date there are in excess of 470 Bus Éireann shelters erected throughout the country. Bus Éireann is currently in the process of finalising the award of a contract for the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of between 180 and 220 additional bus shelters at bus stops along the Bus Éireann route network.
There are a number of external factors that influence the erection of shelters. These include the width and condition of the footpath, the layout of the stop, and the fact that shelters are subject to planning permission and have to comply with local authorities' requirements regarding visual presentation of street furniture, etc.
