'Resting' drivers causing traffic problems at Naas hospital
Naas General Hospital
CHANGES could be on the way for the location of the bus stop outside Naas General Hospital.
The topic has come up after it was claimed that bus drivers taking rests are taking up space in the busy lane outside the hospital.
The relocation could come alongside the installation of a bus shelter at the bus stop outside the hospital.
At the most recent meeting of Naas Municipal District (MD), cllr Bill Clear brought forward a motion requesting that Kildare County Council (KCC) “investigates the feasibility of relocating the bus stop at Naas General Hospital approximately 50 metres south, as the current location results in buses stopping for rest periods and causing significant traffic queuing behind them.”
A report issued by Donal Hodgins, senior engineer in the sustainable transport and traffic management sections at KCC, in response, said that the relocation of the bus stop can be considered as part of plans to design and install a bus shelter outside the hospital.
The report stated: “The Sustainable Transport Section has received requests for the installation of a bus shelter at this location (outside Naas General Hospital), given that bus services terminate here. The inclusion of this location in our 2027 Programme of Works will be considered subject to resources being made available for its progress.”
The report further detailed: “The design of will require the examination of the need of third-party lands and at this time, the relocation of the stop can be considered. In the meantime, it is important to consider the road user hierarchy at this location, and the provision of a bus waiting location is critical for the provision of an efficient service, in particular, for the existing 139 service to Blanchardstown and Maynooth.”
The report added that are no records of significant queuing at the location.
Cllr Clear thanked the official for the report before repeating his claim that bus drivers are taking rests in the busy lane. He opined that the relocation of the bus stop 50 metres south was “a straightforward fix” but applied the caveat that he’s not an engineer.
Cllr Fintan Brett commented to state that he’d “be more inclined to put a bus shelter there”, saying that it was particularly needed for sick people attending the hospital.
Cllr Ger Dunne chimed in to add his support to Cllr Clear’s motion.
Cathaoirleach Seamie Moore expressed his support for all three of his fellow councillors on the matter.
Mr Hodgins commented on the importance of people coming out of the hospital knowing that the bus will be there and on time.
He went on to say that KCC can work with the NTA and TFI to make the location a “more focused” one, before saying that “we’re due to get our funding from the NTA this week”, adding that it is expected to be less than the amount given last year.
In his final comments, cllr Clear said that it is right to complete both the installation of the bus shelter and the relocation of the stop.
