‘We’re like a third world country’ – Lack of bus shelters leaves schoolchildren and pensioners ‘drenched’ in the rain
Ireland is “like a third world country” when it comes to bus shelters — that was one of the strong sentiments voiced by Meath councillors at a recent meeting.
At the October meeting of the Laytown–Bettystown Municipal District, calls grew for more bus shelters across the area, as many children and older residents face getting “drenched” while waiting for buses.
Independent councillor Carol Lennon tabled a motion calling on Meath County Council to explore using retired “swim shelters” as temporary bus shelters in locations currently lacking protection from the elements as winter approaches.
The proposal sought to make use of existing council-owned structures to address what she described as a “pressing need” for commuter shelter in communities such as Bettystown, Laytown, and Mornington, where many rely on public transport.
However, council officials advised that the responsibility for bus stop infrastructure lies primarily with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the relevant bus operators.
In a written response, the council said it “provides assistance to the NTA in respect of the delivery of sustainable infrastructure — including project management for bus stop construction — but decisions on shelter installation rest with the Authority.”
Officials also stated that the proposal to reuse or reallocate beach shelters “would not be appropriate,” noting that a damaged beach shelter had already been removed, replaced with a concrete version, and later repaired and repurposed by the local Men’s Shed.
While reiterating ongoing collaboration with the NTA under the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme, the council advised that requests for new shelters should be directed to the national body.
Cllr Lennon expressed frustration at the lack of progress, saying: “I get numerous calls about how badly designed our bus stops are. “ "The buses are not very reliable and children are standing at the stops for more than 25 minutes in the rain, getting to school soaked and having to sit wet all day.”
“I don’t know why it has to be such a process to get bus shelters. When the infrastructure is put in place when required, it alleviates bigger problems. We have benches and platforms for shelters, but we don’t have the actual shelters — and that needs to be addressed.”
Her motion received unanimous support from councillors present at the meeting.
Cllr Paddy Meade backed the motion, citing the example of a family in Slane who built their own bus shelter outside their home.
Cllr Stephen McKee added: “There’s lots of money in the country. I believe bus shelters should be a priority. It’s terrible to see people standing at a bus stop soaking wet — usually elderly people and small children. Every stop should have a shelter.”
Cllr Maria White criticised the lack of transparency around the process, saying: “We’re like a third world country when it comes to bus shelters. Who would guess that we have old-age pensioners standing at bus stops getting absolutely drenched on their way to collect their pension? It’s disgraceful.”
“When we look at other countries, their bus shelters are simple and cost-effective. I don’t know why we have to make them so expensive in this country.”
Cllr Sharon Tolan argued that the responsibility for providing bus shelters should rest with local authorities, not the NTA.
“It’s frustrating that we get the same answer all the time — that it’s the responsibility of the NTA. It shouldn’t be. Delivering bus shelters should fall on local authorities.”
Cllr Geraldine Keogan also agreed, adding that the shortage of shelters is not just an issue in East Meath but “everywhere in Meath.”