Data provided by the National Transport Authority shows €500,000 was allocated to Kildare County Council in 2025 under the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme.
Several hundred bus stops across Kildare require some level of upgrade, but new funding figures show that only a limited number can be improved each year, even when available money is almost fully spent.
Data provided by the National Transport Authority shows €500,000 was allocated to Kildare County Council in 2025 under the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme.
The council recorded a final out-turn of €466,191, leaving approximately €34,000 unspent.
The programme is designed to fund improvements such as shelters, lighting, seating and accessibility works.
However, the figures, provided to Kildare North Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, show the scale of investment is modest when set against the known condition of bus stop infrastructure across the county.
Kildare County Council has previously acknowledged that around 500 bus stops require upgrades, particularly in rural areas where stops often lack shelters, lighting or safe access.
The National Transport Authority says the minimum standard it aims for is that every bus stop is clearly marked, provides information on available services, allows passengers to wait safely, and enables safe boarding and alighting.
Over time, the NTA says its default standard is for bus stops to include shelters with illuminated waiting areas.
While the precise cost of works varies by location, only a small number of stops can be upgraded each year under current funding levels.
The data also shows that Kildare receives a standardised bus stop allocation, similar to other local authorities, despite rapid population growth and increasing reliance on bus services.
A spokesperson for the NTA said: "In 2024 a blanket allocation of €500,000 was provided to all 31 local authorities to encourage the development of a programme of investment in bus stop facilities in collaboration with NTA."
They added: "All local authorities engaged in discussions and detailed planning for the bus stop enhancement within the various local authorities concluded towards the end of 2024. In this regard 2025 represents the first full year of operation of the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme."
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