FERMANAGH and Omagh District Council is to write to Translink over the provision of an ‘out-of-hours’ shelter outside Enniskillen bus station.
At the monthly meeting of the local authority, Enniskillen councillor Howard Thornton said that a shelter was needed outside the main depot, located off Wellington Road, for passengers who used the early-morning Bus Eireann Route 30 service to Dublin Airport – particularly in the winter months.
His proposal was seconded by fellow Enniskillen councillor, Robert Irvine.
Describing the service as “much-used”, Mr. Thornton said: “There is absolutely no bus shelter provided at Enniskillen when the main depot is closed and people are standing out waiting for the bus in the rain, obviously during the winter months and possibly even summer.”
After he proposed that members write to the “relevant authority”, Mid Tyrone representative Sean Clarke asked whether the Council had responsibility for providing bus shelters.
Kevin O’Gara, the local authority’s Director of Environment and Place, told the meeting that the Council provided bus shelters for schools and for school children.
“That’s been our policy over the years, rather than providing bus shelters for any of the major bus companies,” Mr O’Gara added.
Council Chief Executive, Brendan Hegarty, advised members that, in the first instance, a letter should be sent to Translink.
At the end of the discussion, the councillors gave their consent after chairwoman Mary Garrity had asked: “All agreed that we send the letter and see what legs it takes?”
Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Thorton said: “This bus route is a vital service for Enniskillen. The service operates throughout the night, including times when the bus depot is closed.”
At a previous meeting of the Council, members had expressed their concerns regarding potential reductions to the Bus Eireann from Enniskillen to Dublin Airport and onwards to Dublin city.
Mr. Thornton said: “It would be a sign of support from the local people for the Bus Eireann and other out-of-hours services if we were to provide a small bus shelter facility for people who wish to avail of these services. It would be a shame if Enniskillen was to lose this direct link to Dublin Airport.”
He added: “I feel that a small gesture on our part, added to the weight of public opinion, would help convince the Bus Eireann management that they should keep this route open.”