Patients leaving Kildare's main hospital have to stand in the rain

Some people leaving Naas Hospital having undergone treatment for illnesses like cancer have to stand in the rain while waiting for a bus.

The absence of the bus shelter - and the location of the bus stop on the road outside the facility - has been criticised.

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Independent Ireland councillor Bill Clear said the bus stop should be moved 50 metres away because “the current location results in buses stopping for rest periods and causing significant traffic queuing behind them.”

He told a Naas Municipal District meeting that a site in front of the adjacent famine graveyard should be used as the stop.

“Drivers need to take a rest but the stopped bus takes up most of the lane,” he said, adding this creates some traffic build up.

Calling for a shelter to be built, Cllr Fintan Brett said this is needed here “above any place on earth” and Naas Mayor Seamie Moore said the green area there is "crying out for a bus shelter.”

Kildare County Council engineer Dónal Hodgins said requests have been received for a shelter “given that bus services terminate here” and it will be considered “subject to resources being made available.”

He added it will be necessary to acquire land and when this is done “the relocation of the bus stop can be considered.

Mr Hodgins also said the road is important from a public transport perspective and “for people to know the bus service is available.”

He pointed out the existing 139 service visits Blanchardstown and Maynooth and added there is no “significant” queuing at this location.