No solution in sight for move of bus stop at Rochfortbridge

Published: Sat 24 Oct 2020, 3:44 PM

Last updated: Sat 24 Oct 2020, 3:47 PM

No site has yet been identified as an alternative to the present bus stop at Rochfortbridge, it emerged at the most recent meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District (MKMD) when the subject was raised for discussion by Cllr Emily Wallace.

The question of relocating the bus stop arose after a development of 12 houses was built close to the stop.

The official response from the MKMD to Cllr Wallace’s request for an update on selection of a new bus stop site stated that an alternative has not yet been identified.

Declaring that she was not happy with the situation, Cllr Wallace said it is becoming an issue in the town.

“We are not aware of an actual ‘issue’,” responded director of services, Martin Murray, explaining that the background to the situation was that when a new development of 12 houses was constructed, that had an effect on the traditional bus stop location.

“What has emerged is that to get an alternative bus stop adjacent to the houses is proving hard to achieve,” Mr Murray said.

“The information we have is that the current bus stop is actually working and is not causing a hindrance in respect of the development,” he continued, adding the council is working with the developer to come up with a solution.

A difficulty was, however, that the nearest “technical solution” would involve locating the bus stop at the far end of the village – which would not suit the residents served by that bus stop.

“It’s not put to bed yet, but we are currently reviewing that location with the developer and trying to come up with a solution that will suit the population and comply with the planners,” Mr Murray stated.

Footpath

Also requested by Cllr Wallace at the meeting was provision of a walkway or footpath from Rochfortbridge to the GAA grounds on the Old Dublin Road. Cllr Wallace was disappointed at the MKMD response, which stated that a footpath there was not warranted and would be “prohibitively expensive” having regard to the distance.

Stressed that she was not necessarily looking for a footpath but more a safe walkway, and she appealed to the executive to see if there was not another funding stream that could be availed of to meet the cost.

“I’m not looking for a bells and whistles job – I’m looking for a safe, clear walking path of a type that is safe to walk in the evenings,” she said.

Support came from Cllr Denis Leonard.

Director of services Martin Murray said that could possibly looked at in the future but that the priority at the moment was for projects within the town.