Donegal County Council has been urged to fast-track the installation of bus shelters in towns and villages across Donegal this winter.
The matter was raised by Cllr Patrick McGowan, who said that villages across East Donegal are lacking in facilities.
Cllr McGowan told Monday’s council meeting that Castlefinn, Killygordon and Convoy are active towns with many residents travelling to Letterkenny, Lifford/Strabane and Ballybofey.
“There is no shelter whatsoever on these very busy bus routes,” he said.
“I know from talking to the Director of Roads there is work ongoing nationally, but it is essential that some kind of shelter is provided for older people going to larger towns for their pension or the doctor and children going to school.
“I see people standing for half an hour or an hour in the rain, maybe the bus isn’t coming or they have to be out in time.”
Cllr Gerry Crawford adding that Lifford is also lacking a bus shelter at the old customs post.
Donegal County Council is working with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on improvements to bus stops in the county on a prioritised basis.
Cllr McGowan said that whatever avenue is taken, it is vital that something is fast-tracked.
“We are in the middle of winter now,” he pointed out.
Director of Roads Mr Bryan Cannon said that the NTA is responsible for r funding, installation and maintenance of bus stop infrastructure nationwide and that an improvement programme is on the way.
“I would envisage that a prioritised programme will be brought forward on a batch by batch basis beginning with the busiest bus stops,” Mr Cannon said.
