Ardee Overlooked as ‘Badly Needed’ Drogheda Hospital Bus Shelter Delayed
Ardee and Dunleer have been left out of this year’s bus shelter programme, while a long-requested shelter at Drogheda’s Lourdes Hospital will not be installed this year due to budget constraints and planned Ardee 2040 works.
A long-requested bus shelter for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda will not be installed this year, Louth County Council has confirmed — with councillors also raising concerns that Ardee and parts of Mid-Louth have been left out of this year’s plans.
At the latest meeting of Louth County Council, Cllr Ejiro O’Hare Stratton said she had been requesting a shelter at the busy hospital for two years, saying it is “badly needed” by staff, patients and visitors who are often left waiting in poor weather.
Concern Over Lack of Shelters in Ardee and Mid Louth
Cllr Dolores Minogue welcomed the inclusion of some Mid-Louth locations but questioned why Ardee was overlooked, noting that as a growing commuter town with many students and workers relying on bus services, a shelter in the town centre is essential.
Councillors also raised concerns about Dunleer, where safety issues were highlighted at a bus stop that requires passengers to move around the bus while standing on the road.
Budget and Ardee 2040 Works a Factor
Director of Services David Hanratty said there are a “significant” number of locations where the council would like to provide shelters, but this year’s rollout is limited due to budget constraints.
He explained that planned public realm works influenced the decision not to install shelters in Ardee and Dunleer this year, noting that works planned under Ardee 2040 meant it would not make sense to install shelters that might later need to be removed.
However, he said proposed new locations can still be referred to the council’s operations team for consideration in future programmes.
Bus Shelters Planned for Louth
- George Street, Drogheda
- Cross Lanes, Drogheda
- North Road, Drogheda
- McDonald’s, Dundalk
- Castlebellingham Northbound
- Castlebellingham Southbound
- DkIT Dundalk (two shelters)
- Monasterboice
Despite some new additions, councillors say towns like Ardee and Dunleer must be prioritised in the next round of funding, particularly due to increasing commuter numbers.
