Tempers flare over Limerick bus stops

A WAR of words broke out in Limerick’s Council chamber over the alleged “neglect and discrimination” of bus passengers on Hyde Road - with one councillor describing the claims as “a load of tripe”.

The ruckus came during a meeting of the Metropolitan District, with Counillor Sarah Kiely raising the issue of buses reportedly not stopping at official stops.

Cllr Kiely moved that they write to Bus Eireann locally, as well as the National Transport Agency, to ask why drivers are not stopping at marked bus stops.

Councillor Daniel Butler seconded Cllr Kiely’s motion “wholeheartedly,” adding that the people of Hyde Road “deserve a decent bus service.”

“For me, it seems to be open and blatant discrimination against the people who live on Hyde Road, and it is high time we call it out,” he added.

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However, the motion and Cllr Butler’s subsequent backing were met with backlash from Councillor Catherine Slattery, who strongly disagreed with the previous speakers.

“I think it is disgraceful, that an elected member would be targeting bus drivers in our city,” said Cllr Slattery.

“For Cllr Butler to say that Hyde Road is being neglected and discriminated against - what a load of tripe,” she added.

Cllr Slattery said she was from the area and uses the bus regularly, as does her mother.

“It’s disgraceful and that statement needs to be retracted from Cllr Butler,” she added.

The argument seemed to subside, as the chair of the meeting, Cathaoirleach Abul Kalam Azad Talukder, attempted to move on to the next motion.

However, Cllr Slattery cut across him, once again asking that Cllr Butler retract his comments.

“Ask Cllr Butler when was the last time he was in Hyde Road because I never see him there,” added Cllr Slattery.

Cllr Butler replied, “I used to work in the area, Cllr Slattery, but you wouldn’t know that, you have been gone from the area for so long,” he said.