Cavan's Bus Station to reopen

There's been criticism of its continued closure.

Cavan’s bus station is to reopen this summer.

Closed since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been questions over why it has not reopened along with the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

Cavan’s is a busy commuter station for people working in Dublin and the lack of covered areas or toilet facilities has been criticised.

Bus Éireann has now confirmed the station will reopen on June 1. Local TD Brendan Smith says he has received confirmation from the company that it will open its doors to the public again on that date.

The station is owned by Bus Éireann but its restaurant and other facilities are operated by a private contractor.

“Bus Éireann in their response to my representations state that the vendor who operates the restaurant has given them a preliminary opening date of the 1st June 2022 for re-opening”, said Deputy Smith.

“Bus Éireann state that they look forward to the Bus Station and restaurant facilities opening to the public at this time.”

The continued closure was criticised at the March meeting of Cavan County Council.

Fine Gael Councillor Madeleine Argue said people were being forced to stand outside with no toilet facilities for people who have arrived in Cavan after long journeys.

Áontu Councillor Sarah O’Reilly highlighted safety concerns, particularly for people who may be travelling alone late at night or early in the morning and are left no choice but to stand on the street.

Following the meeting, Bus Éireann confirmed to The Anglo-Celt that talks with the operator of the station were to take place, with a view to opening the station shortly.

“Representatives from Bus Éireann will meet with the existing station vendors later this week to discuss the potential re-opening of the bus station.”

The company said the “significant reduction in the number of passengers” using its services at the beginning of the pandemic led to the closure of the station. However, it said it “is committed to the future of Cavan Town bus station and to the continued provision of bus services to the people of Cavan town and county”.