Plans for major Dundalk road labelled "anti-car" amid backlog concerns

Louth County Council's plans for a major Dundalk road have been labelled "anti-car" amid concerns it could cause "serious backlogs". 

The local authority was seeking Part 8 planning permission from councillors to carry out works to the Dublin Road in Dundalk from Xerox to Greengates.

Concerns were raised that four new bus stops along the road would not include bays for buses to pull in. 

The Council confirmed the decision prioritises public transport ahead of private vehicles, resulting in more reliable journey times for bus users.

A spokesperson for Louth County Council told the April meeting of the Dundalk Municipal District said the plans were created in consultation with bus drivers and Bus Éireann. 

"What bus drivers complain about is that when they pull in, all of the cars behind them then jump in front of them and the bus is delayed. We’re trying to encourage the bus transfers to be as efficient as possible," he said.

Independent councillor Ciarán Fisher labelled the plans "anti-car" and said the council wants "people sitting behind the bus, wishing they were on the bus".

Councillors raised concerns that buses stopping in the middle of the road would cause traffic congestion.

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However, Green Party councillor Marianne Butler defended the proposals and said it takes "a matter of seconds" for people to get on and off buses. 

"I understand people’s concerns about the bus bays but look at what’s happening around the town. If you hop on a bus down at Smyth's chemist, Sean O’Mahony’s, the Blackrock road, there’s no bus bays and the world doesn’t end.

People get on and off the buses and it takes a matter of seconds. I don’t think I’ve ever been delayed because people were getting on and off the bus," she said. 

Fianna Fáil councillor Shane McGuinness warned the new bus stops could cause "serious backlogs" for motorists. 

"I know we can talk about a lot of different bus stops around the town and people are jumping on and off but we’re talking about a road that is seriously, seriously busy." 

"I mean putting four bus stops between Greengates and Meehan’s Garage, you’re looking at a serious backlog," he said. 

Cllr Butler acknowledged that bus bays are needed in "high-frequency areas" but said bus shelters should be a higher priority.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.