Growing Frustration Over Delayed Bus Shelter Installations in Limerick
Residents and local representatives in Limerick are expressing growing frustration over the prolonged delays in installing bus shelters across the city and county. The lack of clear timelines for these essential pieces of infrastructure has sparked concern, particularly among communities that rely heavily on public transport.
Councillor Sarah Kiely highlighted the issue, describing the delays as “a bit of a vacuum” for both elected officials and the public. She emphasized that it could take up to two to three years to install a single bus shelter, which is alarming given the current push to reduce car dependency for environmental and congestion reasons.
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“Encouraging people to leave their cars behind is crucial, especially with the need to improve air quality and make our city more liveable,” she said. “We also need to provide better infrastructure for our aging population and students, who are a significant part of our community.”
Kiely pointed to a specific example on Ballysimon Road, where a bus shelter has been requested for three years but is now classified as a “strategic issue” due to planned developments in the area. Another bus stop in Carew Park has also been a long-standing request, with no progress made over the past two to three years.
“There’s a noticeable disparity in the availability of bus stops between affluent areas and those with lower car ownership, such as parts of the southside of Limerick,” she added. “Residents in these areas, including many elderly individuals, are often left waiting in the rain for buses like the 302 or 303.”
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Councillor Dan McSweeney echoed Kiely’s concerns, acknowledging the frustration within the community. He noted that the issue may not be entirely the responsibility of the local authority, as some challenges stem from higher levels of governance.
Councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara also voiced his support for the motion, pointing out that certain areas on the northside of Limerick remain underserved. He stressed the importance of improving infrastructure to address traffic issues, enhance air quality, and create a more livable city environment.
John O’Callaghan, Acting Senior Executive Engineer for Active Travel, provided an explanation for the delays. He stated that the National Transport Authority (NTA) had retendered its bus shelter contract, which expired at the end of March 2025. The new contract has been awarded to Bower Media Outdoor for up to eight years, with installation expected to begin later this year after a mobilisation period.
However, Councillor Kiely criticized the national-level management of the process, calling it “totally mismanaged.” She warned that Limerick City and County Council will not see new bus shelters for at least six to 12 months. She estimated that the entire process—from placing orders to shipping, installation, and due diligence—could take up to 12 months before a new shelter is installed.
The ongoing delays have raised serious questions about the efficiency of the system and the impact on vulnerable communities. As residents continue to wait, the need for clear communication and swift action remains urgent.
