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Friday, 20th June 2025

O'Dowd gives cautious welcome to statement on Drogheda Bus Depot accessibility

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Michael O'Dowd at Dogheda Bus Depot.

Local Aontú spokesperson Michael O’Dowd has given a cautious welcome to the response from Bus Éireann to Deputy Peadar Tóibín’s parliamentary question on the issue of accessibility at Drogheda Bus Depot.

“The confirmation that a dedicated drop-off area, adjacent to the existing disabled parking bay, is scheduled for completion by the end of June is a positive development” said O’Dowd adding that this “may offer a temporary solution for some passengers, particularly those with mobility challenges, while broader issues remain unresolved.

“However, the depot’s current layout continues to force elderly and disabled passengers to cross busy roads while carrying luggage, an unacceptable and avoidable risk. The refusal to allow taxi or private vehicle access due to ‘health and safety’ concerns must be revisited, especially once the new drop-off area is in place and can potentially support controlled access.

“This is an issue I’ve been agitating on for some time, and while the recent announcement is a start, the jury is very much still out. We will be watching closely to ensure that what is promised is delivered and that real, long-term accessibility is prioritised, not postponed."

Aontú Paety Leader, Deputy Peadar Tóibín, asked the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, if his Department will review the current access policy at the Bus Éireann depot in Drogheda, County Louth, which currently prohibits taxi access.

“If he is aware that the depot is located at the junction of two main roads and requires passengers including elderly individuals and those with mobility issues to cross at least one of these busy roads while carrying luggage.

“If he is further aware that there is space under the ownership of Bus Éireann at this depot which could be used to provide a safe and accessible drop-off and pick-up point for taxis and other vehicles; and if he will intervene to ensure that accessibility and passenger safety are prioritised at this location.

Minister Draagh O’Brien referred the question to Bus Éireann on whose behalf a spokesperson said:

“Bus Éireann operates several of its Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes out of Drogheda Bus Depot, including our Drogheda Town service as part of its Direct Award Contract with the National Transport Authority (NTA). This contract sets out the level of service Bus Éireann provides and the route, schedule, frequency, fleet and fares are determined by the National Transport Authority.

“Currently at Drogheda Bus Depot, there is one disabled persons parking bay, as well as a planned dedicated drop off area adjacent to this parking space. Both are situated within the confines of Bus Éireann's property and are fully accessible for wheelchair users.

“The drop off area is scheduled for completion by the end of June, and both the parking bay and drop off area are due to be repainted in the near future to enhance visibility and accessibility.

“Due to health and safety restrictions, it is not presently feasible to allow taxis or other private vehicles into the bus area as there is already a high volume of traffic using this area.”

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