Bus Éireann is marking the 70th anniversary of Dublin’s iconic - if divisive - Busáras bus and coach headquarters.

The building first opened its doors on October 19th, 1953, and has transported millions of passengers since services commenced.

The building was designed by renowned Irish architect Michael Scott and was awarded the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Gold Medal in 1955.

A historical picture of Busáras. Image: Bus Éireann

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 began in 1945 and the building cost over IR£1 million to deliver.

Today, it serves over one million passengers every year.

Busáras under construction. Image: Bus Éireann

Bus Éireann CEO Stephen Kent 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,” he said.

“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.”

Bus Éireann recently announced plans to redevelop Busáras – with the preservation of the building’s history and a renewed vision for Ireland’s public transport system to the development.