asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the serious transport problem that exists for students from the Chapelizod/Palmerstown areas attending schools in Lucan and Maynooth; and if he will have urgent discussions with the Minister for Tourism and Transport to find a solution to this problem.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
157.
This is primarily a matter for CIE and the Department of Tourism and Transport as the services involved are not special school transport services under the free transport scheme.
I am, however, advised by CIE that the fleet of buses assigned to this general area is adequate in the normal way but that problems have arisen owing to changes of school hours in certain schools which have added to the heavy demand for public transport in this area at around the same time in the mornings and evenings.
It is also understood from CIE that studies are being carried out of the school transport situation in the Lucan/Maynooth areas and that when these studies have been completed they will consult with the parents' associations and other interested parties in the Lucan/Maynooth areas with a view to seeing what can be done to improve the standard of service for school children.