Dublin's buses have had no hand sanitiser during the pandemic – due to insurance claims fears.
Bosses were concerned their use may create a “slip hazard” - costing around €20,000 per fall.
They are now set to launch a pilot scheme for dispensers on Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann, Go Ahead Ireland and at Luas stops.
But for now – eight months after the virus hit – there is no facility to carry out the basic hygiene measure of hand-washing onboard.
Sinn Fein’s transport spokesman Darren O’Rourke told Dublin Live: “I welcome the news National Transport Authority is considering installing on-board sanitisers on public transport, but you would have to question why it has taken them so long to consider this simple measure.
“I understand the slip concerns being considered, but surely this could have been avoided by a design change to dispensers or with appropriate positioning of them.”
Peter Boland, director of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, said the situation defied common sense.
He added: “The dysfunctional state of the market means we cannot do things that are absolute common sense in other European countries.
“We pay 4.4 times as much for minor injuries as they do in the UK.
“I don’t blame the transport authorities. It’s basic sense to lay on hand sanitiser on a bus, yet I can fully understand why they would be reluctant to do so.”
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