Dublin Bus unveils €15 million Broadstone Depot restoration

Dublin will welcome three new zero-emissions buses to serve commuters in the capital

Dublin Bus has opened its new Broadstone Depot, following an investment of €15.2M. A part of Ireland’s transport infrastructure since 1850, Broadstone Depot is now one of eight Dublin Bus depots and has the capacity for up to 120 buses and 300 employees. The depot is located within a larger Broadstone transport hub that provides direct employment to 1,500 people.

The depot will not only cater for the vehicle maintenance requirements of the existing Dublin Bus fleet, but is also equipped to maintain future vehicle specifications, such as full battery electric vehicles and is also flexible enough to suit hydrogen vehicles into the future if required.

“As we transition towards a cleaner and greener urban bus fleet, Broadstone Depot will be home to these new, low emission buses,” said Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD.

“It is fitting that this historic depot will play a role in maintaining these vehicles, which will have a positive environmental impact for the communities which they serve. The fact that the depot is equipped to manage future vehicles specifications means it is ready to support Dublin’s shift towards a more sustainable public transport service.”

The operator says significant care and attention was given to preserve Broadstone Depot and every restoration detail has been considered. Dublin Bus worked closely with conservation architects to ensure the restoration at the transport hub added to the depot’s long and storied history.

The use of natural materials, where possible, and the reuse and restoration of existing structures such as the old overhead gantry cranes and the original cast iron structure, helped reduce the carbon footprint. 

In consultation with Phibsboro Village Tidy Towns and Dublin Swift Conservation Group, and with funding from the Community Environment Action Fund (Local Agenda 21) of Dublin City Council, Dublin Bus has even incorporated swift nesting boxes onto the site, the first semi-state agency (enterprises beneficially owned by the Irish Government) in Ireland to do so, to help preserve and expand the area’s swift population.

“I am delighted that Dublin Bus is investing over €15 million in Dublin’s transport future,” added Coyne, Chief Executive of Dublin Bus.

“Broadstone Depot is owned by future generations and we’ve been careful to preserve it and bring it back to life for the purpose it was built. This new depot is another step forward in our contribution to enhancing the lives of the people we proudly serve, socially, economically and sustainably, whilst providing a reliable, safe, efficient and well-run bus service.

“We change with the pace of the city, connecting new communities with new routes, new buses and new technologies. Our low emission fleet, sustainability initiatives and depot investments mean we are set to meet Dublin’s transport needs now and into the future.”