Several bus route termini will have dedicated permanent toilet facilities for Dublin Bus workers in operation later this year. The move follows calls from SIPTU members for such services, which escalated prior to the introduction of the Bus Connects scheme that has resulted in longer bus routes with some necessitating up to two hours driving time.
Dublin Bus worker and SIPTU National Executive Council member, Stephen Miliane said: “The situation where drivers are expected to use ad hoc facilities in such places as shops, supermarkets and community centers close by a terminus or drive to the nearest CIÉ depot, which could be up to half an hour away, cannot be tolerated any longer.
“The constant pressure SIPTU representatives have been applying has resulted in Dublin Bus management and the National Transport Authority committing to set timeframes for the purchase and installation of permanent toilet facilities. Procurement and planning permission for ten to 15 toilets is being finalised and members should be seeing them at termini for use shortly afterwards.
“This issue was a concern to all drivers but in particular was a problem for the growing number of women bus drivers being recruited into the company. The new facilities will be exclusively for the use of Dublin Bus workers with keys made available to drivers on the routes on which they are installed.”
He added: “The places identified initially for installations are at termini in Ballywaltrim, Ballinteer, Limekiln, Swords, Sean Moore Road, Ballycullen, Tallaght and City West.
In the interim temporary portable toilets will be used at certain locations.”