Members of Athlone Municipal District have been informed that work is presently ongoing to identify a more suitable location for the bus stop located outside Athlone Institute of Technology on the Garrycastle road.
Raising the motion within the Council Chamber, Independent Councillor, Michael O’Brien, noted that he received numerous representations with regard to the ongoing problematic issue.
“I’ve received numerous representations from constituents looking to have the bus stop moved to a more suitable location. At the moment we have a situation whereby, at times, when a bus is stopped on both sides of the road, there is a hold up in traffic which could exceed five minutes or more. I’ve witnessed it myself on occasions and it is simply not sustainable. I hope this matter can be resolved sooner rather than later,” Cllr. O’Brien remarked.
Echoing Cllr. O’Brien’s views, Cllr. John Dolan commented that on occasion, traffic could be backed up as far as the Spar shop at Garrycastle bridge, such is the problematic nature of the bus stop’s present location.
“We need to engage with the AIT in this regard, as it is up to us as a Council to provide a relevant space for the bus stop which won’t create traffic issues,” Cllr. Dolan said.
Acknowledging the issue, Mr. Barry Kehoe, Director of Services, Westmeath County Council, noted the possibility of widening the road in future times courtesy of purchasing lands adjacent to the AIT, adding that it was within the remit of the Municipal District to support the town’s bus service going forward.
