NORTHSIDE bus passengers may no longer have to scamper for shelter when the skies open up while they wait on O’Connell Street.
That’s because the National Transport Authority (NTA) has submitted plans for a number of shelters at stops along the city’s main thoroughfare.
The high-quality shelters made of stainless steel and glass will be unique to O’Connell Street and Westmoreland Street and will feature digital advertising panels sold by JCDecaux, which has a five-year bus shelter advertising contract with the NTA.
“The provision of new bespoke high-quality bus shelters with digital advertising along the city’s premier streetscape will provided much needed facilities for bus passengers, complement the public realm and enhance the pedestrian experience of Dublin’s central promenade,” a report submitted with the planning application states.
Dublin North West TD, Noel Rock, who is a member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, said the new shelters would be a welcome improvement for commuters.
“For many Northsiders, O’Connell Street is the main hub for buses in the city centre, and as we all know, when it rains there is practically nowhere to hide,” he added.
“As such, on behalf of commuters like myself who have been soaked far too many times through the years, I warmly welcome this news.
“I have been lobbying the National Transport Authority (NTA) for many years now about additional bus shelters, so this is a welcome move.
“The planning permission applications which have been submitted by the NTA will see bus shelters erected on the western side of O’Connell Street, to allow shelter for people who are waiting for the bus to head home from work, socialising or after a shopping trip in town.
“These are the kind of basic improvements to the public transport service that people are crying out for.
“It can be frustrating sometimes to hear constant discussion about big, ambitious, multi-decade plans while practical, basic issues like this are not addressed.
“Accordingly, I’m glad the NTA have seen sense here and agreed to install these bus shelters.”