‘Not at the expense of the existing bus stop’ was the message from councillors as they debated approaching Bus Éireann to provide a second bus stop in Rochfortbridge.
Westmeath County Council has agreed to look into the possibility of providing the second bus stop outside the speed limit sign on the east side of Rochfortbridge.
Councillors were concerned at the council’s warning that “the provision of such a bus stop could adversely affect the existing bus stop in the centre of the village”. However, acting director of services Hugh O’Reilly said the council would write to Bus Éireann for assurance that the proposed new bus stop would not be to the detriment of the existing one.
“We don’t want them to decide down the line to shelve one of them, we need assurances to provide two,” he said.
The discussion arose in response to a motion from Cllr Colm Arthur asking the council to provide a bus stop to service houses on the village’s east side.
“There is nothing to say a bus stop can’t go in there...the County Development Plan tells us it is the policy of the council to facilitate the development of public transport and to improve existing services, and we must follow these guidelines,” he said.
It was Cllr Gerry Corcoran who suggested an alternative location for the proposed bus stop, which Cllr Arthur was happy to agree to.
“I would suggest perhaps beyond Derrygreenagh Park could be looked at rather than where previously suggested - some people were unhappy with that area as it would take away from the kernel of activity at the shop,” said Cllr Corcoran.
Cllr Paul Daly said his priority was to retain the existing bus stop, which serves the core of the village. “If I can get that guarantee I have no problem with the proposal,” he added.
