'It has to happen' - Waterford bus users facing uncertainty over new Transport Hub

Waterford bus users are facing uncertainty over the new Transport Hub, a council meeting has heard.

At the October plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Pat Nugent raised concerns about the prospect of people, after getting off the train at the new Transport Hub, potentially having to walk across the new bridge to Waterford Bus Station on Merchants Quay.

He asked if there are discussions ongoing between the council and Bus Éireann regarding the changing of bus routes to factor in the new Transport Hub.

“The train station won’t be open until 2027 and there’s plenty of time for a discussion. I think it has to happen now because the distance between the new train station and the bus station is twice as long as the one from the train station that’s there at present,” Cllr Nugent added.

READ NEXT: Waterford family with 'unwavering focus' shortlisted for major national award

In response, Director of Services Michael Quinn said that any changes to bus routes will be decided by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and not the local authority.

Mr Quinn said: ‘A number of the bus routes will have to be reconfigured so that they can go through the new transport hub as part of their route in and out of the city so that is something we have raised with the NTA.

“It’s just a formal process that will be [completed] in due course so we will keep pursuing it.”

Mr Quinn added that whilst the majority of the council’s discussions with the NTA thus far have centered around funding, it can now start to focus on “what happens next”.

Last week, Bus Éireann submitted a planning application for the expansion of Waterford Bus Station on Merchants Quay.

The plans include the construction of a single-storey extension to the rear of the existing bus station, the reconfiguration of the internal layout of the building to improve accessibility and functionality, and the construction of five new bus shelters.

The reconfiguration of existing bus bays, the construction of an outdoor storage area for goods and refuse, the provision of a guide dog relief area and the reconfiguration of the drop-off area to improve accessibility also form part of the plans.

A decision by Waterford City and County Council is expected by November 30.