Difficulties faced by wheelchair users at temporary bus stops raised at Sligo council meeting

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The issue of temporary bus stops and the difficulties they are causing for wheelchair users was raised at the February meeting of Sligo County Council.

Cllr Arthur Gibbons pointed out that wheelchair users in Maugheraboy are unable to use the service from that location as they can’t access the bus.

Cllr Gibbons’ motion before the meeting called for answers as to when the issue will be resolved as it stated, “Temporary bus stops are not a long-term solution, so I am asking that this local authority write to the National Transport Authority to ascertain when will the infrastructure be put in place for permanent bus stops along all bus routes throughout the county in order to allow wheelchair users full accessibility.”

Addressing the meeting in support of the motion, Cllr Gibbons said, “The infrastructure isn’t there. It is wrong that there are long-term temporary bus stops. People in Maugheraboy can’t use the bus, they can’t access it, they have to navigate to the nearest stop where they can access the bus.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Ann Higgins who said, “The people of Sligo deserve an efficient, sustainable, accessible bus service.”

Cllr Donal Gilroy also offered his support to the motion but added a word of caution when he commented, “If there is no footpath, it can’t be wheelchair accessible.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.