Buses reportedly getting parking fines in Athy

There has been a renewed call for the introduction of designated bus bays in Athy, after reports emerged of bus companies receiving parking fines for using areas they have traditionally parked in.

The issue was raised at the Athy Municipal District held recently by cllr Brian Dooley, who sought clarity on the current bus infrastructure within the town.

He questioned the location and use of designated bus bays and asked for more consistent guidelines for bus parking.

He said: “I get a lot of questions on bus bays and areas to park in. Especially with the Shackleton Museum coming soon, we are going to need to design space for bus parking.” 

In response, council officials outlined that the designated bus bays are set out in the Athy Parking Bye-Laws, which were adopted by the former Athy Town Council in 2013. The current designated bus bay locations are at Barrow Quay, Leinster Street, Duke Street, Mount Hawkins with two bays, and Church Road.

The council confirmed that these bays are intended strictly for setting down and picking up passengers. Buses are not permitted to remain parked in these spaces beyond the time required for passenger movement.

Officials also indicated that permanent bus parking may be considered in future amendments to the bye-laws. However, they stressed that such facilities should not be located in the town centre due to limited parking spaces. 

Instead, suitable long-term bus parking would likely be planned for areas on the town's outskirts.