Residents Oppose Plan for Bus Driver Toilet in Dublin

A planning row has erupted between Dublin Bus and residents of a south Dublin housing estate over a proposal to install a portable toilet for drivers near the terminus of a bus route.

The Kingston Residents' Association has appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála against the decision of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to grant planning permission to Dublin Bus for a 'prefabricated drivers' welfare facility' near a bus stop on Brehon Field Road, Ballinteer, Dublin 16.

The residents' group is concerned that the toilet could attract graffiti and anti-social behavior.

The self-cleansing unisex toilet, covering an area of about 7.13m², is planned to be situated next to a wall separating Brehon Field Road from the Kingston estate.

The association, representing around 270 households, argues that the proposed toilet should be rejected for aesthetic reasons.

According to the group's chairperson, Ian Duckenfield, the residents are opposed to having an unattractive structure at the entrance to their estate.

Kingston Residents' Association also highlighted that long-distance buses already have onboard toilets, suggesting that the 16 route from Ballinteer to Dublin Airport is considered long distance.

Dublin Bus has explored alternative locations for the toilet but maintains that the proposed site is the most suitable.

The company emphasized the importance of providing welfare facilities for drivers to comply with human rights and ensure operational efficiency.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council stated that a welfare facility for public transport staff could be permitted if it aligns with the area's policies and objectives.

The National Transport Authority supports the provision of driver welfare facilities at bus termini as part of the BusConnects program in Dublin.

It is reported that Dublin Bus is finalizing plans for 10-15 toilets at various bus termini locations across Dublin.

According to the source: RTE.ie.