asked the Minister for Education the secondary education opportunities available in Ballyvourney, County Cork, for girls living in the Clonkeen district in County Kerry; and whether he will arrange a special suitable public transport service to Killarney for those who choose to attend Killarney secondary schools.
Written Answers. - Kerry School Transport Service.
163.
A special school transport service operates from Clonkeen to Ballyvourney, which is the nearest post-primary centre. The vocational school in Ballyvourney presents an adequate range of second-level courses for girls all the way to leaving certificate.
Clonkeen pupils who choose to attend schools in Killarney have the facility of free transport on the Kenmare-Killarney public bus service which operates via Poulgorm Bridge. The morning pick-up time at Poulgorm is rather early, but it is not possible to alter it as the bus serves interests other than school children and makes a rail connection at Killarney.
To remedy the situation, I have arranged that for the coming school year the pupils from the Poulgorm and Clonkeen areas will be accommodated on a special school bus which will leave Poulgorm Bridge for Killarney at approximately 8.00 a.m. This will give a substantial improvement all round.