Tender documents published for new Bus Éireann depot in Tivoli 

TENDER documents have been published for a new Bus Éireann depot on the former Tata Steel site in the Tivoli Docks.

Bus Éireann says the development, which has an estimated value of €10m, is necessary as additional capacity is needed to help with the rollout of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) BusConnects programme.

The temporary depot will have the capacity for the parking of approximately 150 buses, so would be able to deal with the additional buses proposed under BusConnects.

Cork City Council granted permission for a temporary bus depot on the site and adjacent lands in November of last year.

Bus Éireann told The Echo at the time that on-site works would begin in 2024, and that the depot would be up and running in the first half of 2025.

The planning documents note that the use of the temporary bus depot must cease before the last day of 2030.

Additionally, no permanent structures — including electrical charging facilities and services — other than those identified within the existing planning documentation will be permitted as part of the proposed scheme in Tivoli.

Bus Éireann confirmed that electric chargers will be installed in Capwell for the new fleet of electric buses, while the diesel buses move to Tivoli, with a spokesperson from Bus Éireann telling The Echo, “The Tivoli depot will also provide for the planned electrification of our existing Capwell bus depot site, to facilitate the introduction of zero-emission battery electric buses in Cork."

The plans for the Tivoli site include the demolition of a three-bay steel frame and ancillary shed building, the refurbishment of existing warehouse for use as a workshop, a new hardstanding surface with drainage interceptors and reconfiguration of existing vehicle entrances to form a single entrance.