Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004
156 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the progress made with regard to the review of the location of bus stops announced following the serious accident at Wellington Quay, Dublin on 21 February 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26970/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra368 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has given direction to Bus Atha Cliath or Bus Éireann with regard to the provision of adequately protected bus shelters with the objective of encouraging the public to use public transport and the need to comply with current health and safety standards in view of experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27222/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra369 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which new health and safety procedures have been put in place at bus stops in Dublin and throughout the country having particular regard to the issues arising from the tragedy at the bus stop on the city quay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27223/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 368 and 369 together.
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 that the Garda engages in a consultation process with 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 1,200 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 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.
