Women 'feel vulnerable' on Kildare road
Cllr Tom McDonnell wants the shelters to facilitate staff members and visitors to the nursing home
WOMEN waiting for buses on the Newbridge-Naas road at Boroharde "feel vulnerable" when motorists offer them lifts, the recent meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District has been told.
The issue was raised by cllr Tom McDonnell during discussion of his motion seeking illuminated bus shelters at the location, near the Willowbrook Nursing Home. He wants the shelters to facilitate staff members and visitors to the nursing home.
"I have heard from a number of the girls there that cars pull up and offer them lifts, and they feel very vulnerable," he said, adding that the location is also close to a soccer pitch, and people are coming home from matches on dark nights. "I think the provision of these shelters should be put on a priority list."
The response to his motion noted that the location is one of many hundreds across the county which have been requested for upgrading, and that hard standing areas were recently added there. The council is undertaking an audit of all bus stop infrastructure in association with the NTA and a priority list is being drawn up but the meeting heard that there are "particular challenges" with this location, and the overall programme will require a significant amount of financial funding and time to progress.
"The good news is we now have an engineer resource and our plans are being put in place," the councillors heard.
Cllr Chris Pender noted that there had previously been an agreement by members on this issue in 2023, and there is very much a need to support such requests, especially in the context of improving access to public transport.
Cllr McDonnell said that since the stops are already in place, having shelters and lighting at them "would be very much appreciated".
A short term solution is 'not imminent', officials said, but it is anticipated a programme of works on the county needs will be available in early 2025.
