asked the Minister for Education why school transport has been withdrawn in the areas Ballaghboy, Corolanty, Maclone and Towra, in the Shrinrone area of County Offaly; if he will take steps to have it restored in view of the special circumstances as outlined by the parents and all concerned; and if he will make a detailed statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Offaly School Transport.
298.
School transport has not been withdrawn from the areas mentioned. The Chairman of the Board of Management of Shinrone National School was notified by my Department on 25 January 1978 that due to a decline in the number of children availing of these two services, the services fell to be withdrawn at Easter, 1978. No reply to that letter has yet been received but some parents in the Towra/Maclone area discussed the position with an officer of the Department who was in that area recently. The representations made and any views furnished by the Board of Management of Shrinrone National School will be taken into account before a final decision is made.