Athboy bus stop plans go on statutory display for public submissions

The proposed new plans for the relocation of the bus stop in Athboy have been put out to Part VIII planning and will be placed on public display this week during which time members of the public can make submissions. It is proposed the new bus stop will be located at the side of St James’ RC Church on the road towards Church View.

The council carried out a non-statutory public consultation in June 2021 in which 138 submissions were received from the public. Following on from this, the council’s design team put together the plans which are going out on public display to formally seek planning permission.

The plans will be available to view on Meath County Council's website, the library in Athboy and the council offices in Kells and Navan.

If permission is granted for this project and relocation of the bus stop it will be funded under the Government's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which Athboy was awarded funding in 2020.

Local councillor Mike Bray says: “The issue of the lack of a suitable bus stop in the town has been ongoing for many years. The council has been working with the relevant authorities and the local community exploring a number of options and potential locations in the town.

“Under this proposal, a bus turning point will be established beside the church with a shelter, the footpaths will be widened in the area, 57 car parking spaces will be provided, and a new layout will be designed for the area.

“There will also be a change to the back entrance of the church, the installation of EV charging points and six age-friendly parking spaces as well as four disabled parking bays."

“Also, the dangerous bend at the bottle banks will be straightened and the bottle banks themselves will be relocated to the council yard at the other end of the town."

He added: “Very importantly, the council has committed to me that the serious issue of flooding at the other end of the street in Butterfield View will be addressed.

“For many years now the residents in Butterfield View have been greatly impacted by flooding in their properties during periods of heavy rain.

“I have been working with the council engineers and residents to make sure this serious issue is alleviated as part of this project and I welcome the council’s commitment to address this matter.

“I would encourage anyone with any feedback on this proposal to make a submission to the planning office,” concluded Cllr Bray.