Aontú representative in Louth, Michael O’Dowd, and Kevin Faulkner of the Drogheda Taxi Drivers Federation met with senior Bus Eireann Manager Brian Nolan recently to address concerns regarding the barriers that were erected recently at the Drogheda Bus Depot to prevent private cars and taxis from entering to drop off and pick up passengers.
O’Dowd expressed particular concern for the plight of the elderly and those with mobility issues who have been struggling to reach the designated drop-off point.
“It’s in a totally unsuitable location for them, on an incline and open to the elements while other passengers have to cross busy roads to catch their bus, often with luggage in tow” O’Dowd said.
“One immediate solution would be to allow taxis to get closer to the terminal” he added and emphasised the urgency of finding a solution to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
“The meeting resulted in a commitment from Nolan to bring the issue to the attention of the Bus Eireann Access Committee, and to consult with the National Disability Authority to address the problem.
Short-term and long-term solutions were also discussed, including the installation of a canopy for passengers to protect them from the weather, an additional pedestrian opening, and, in the long term, the establishment of a new drop-off location close to the Depot on the main bypass road.
“We need to work together along with all passengers using the Drogheda Bus Depot to find a solution,” said O’Dowd. “I look forward to working with Bus Eireann to implement some of these measures as soon as possible.”
