Bus Éireann is marking the 70th anniversary of Busáras, Ireland’s central bus and coach station.
The iconic building has transported millions of passengers since services commenced on October 19th, 1953.
Busáras was designed by the renowned Irish architect Michael Scott and was awarded the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Gold Medal in 1955. Today, one million passengers pass through the station's doors annually.
Following the amalgamation of various transport companies to form the state company Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), Busáras was conceived as a unique combination of architecture and art. It was later recognised as one of the first modern buildings of its time in Dublin.
The station features ornate mosaic tiling designed by pioneering Irish artist Patrick Scott, bronze windows, Portland stone and Irish oak flooring.
Construction on Busáras began in 1945 and cost over £1 million at the time. The project was completed in 1953. Áras Mhic Dhiarmada also houses the offices of the Department of Social Protection.
Future plans
Bus Éireann recently announced plans to redevelop Busáras in the coming years. Central to the redevelopment will be the preservation of the building’s history and a renewed vision for Ireland’s public transport infrastructure for the future.
In attendance at the milestone anniversary will be Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers, conservation architect Merlo Kelly, and managing director of Scott Tallon Walker Architects Ronan Phelan. Architecture firm Scott Tallon Walker was co-founded by the late Michael Scott.
Stephen Kent, chief executive of Bus Éireann, said: “Busáras stands as a legacy for how far public transport in Ireland has come in the past 70 years. It also challenges us to be more ambitious for the future.
“Bus transport has transformed over the past 70 years, but Busáras has remained as the central hub of Irish public transport. It is a place where journeys begin and end and is arguably the greatest Irish building of the 20th century.”
“Seven decades ago, it would have been impossible to imagine hybrid, electric or hydrogen buses on the streets of our cities, towns and villages, but this is now a reality. With 1,400 planned departures each week and serving 14 different routes across Ireland, Busáras is essential for Bus Éireann’s goal of becoming the most customer-centred and sustainable transport company in Ireland.”
