Bus Éireann has presented plans for a multimillion euro refurbishment of its bus depot at Colbert Station in Limerick city after applying for planning permission for a structure to replace the existing facility.
A Bus Éireann spokeswoman said the plan was to create "a modern, accessible and fully integrated transport facility for Limerick". The project is still subject to planning approval by Limerick City Council.
"Bus Éireann intends to build a new passenger facility adjoining Colbert Station which will be modern in design, fully accessible and will provide for the future transport needs of a growing city," the spokeswoman said.
The Irish Times understands the project could cost more than €5 million. Its proposed design involves construction of a modern two-storey building adjacent to Colbert Station, with the new facility being linked to the railway station by an internal walkway.
It will also be accessible for all customers and staff via elevators, ramped access, automatic doors and other facilities. It will feature a waiting area for customers - something that is absent at the moment - and will include a travel centre, booking office and fully accessible customer toilet facilities separate from those in the railway station.
The new bus station will involve switching the facility from the right to the left of Colbert Station, with the existing bus station yard, currently to the right, being converted into a car park.
The existing car park at the front station building will be landscaped with access and egress remaining on to Parnell Street. The plan also envisages a connecting service route from the rear of the bus depot to Roxborough Road.
The cut limestone railway station building, which dates from the 19th century and is named after Limerick-born Con Colbert who was executed for his part in the 1916 Rising, is a protected structure and will remain intact.
"Under the plan, an increased number of bus bays will be provided, allowing for the scheduling of more services, thus catering for the future transport needs of the city over the next decade," said the spokeswoman.
Bus Éireann has a staff of 373 in Limerick and contributes up to €21 million a year to the local economy.
It has a regular fleet of 101 buses operating out of its Limerick garage.