Vol. 369 No. 5
asked the Minister for Education the number of children from Ashbourne, County Meath, who are transported to second level schools in Dublin each day; and the projected numbers for the next three academic years; and when it is expected that the proposed second level school in Ashbourne will be opened.
160.
asked the Minister for Education the number of school buses used each day to transport children from Ashbourne, County Meath to post primary schools in Dublin. the measures taken to ensure that school buses are not overloaded in a dangerous manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are no special school transport services operating from Ashbourne, County Meath to post primary schools in Dublin Pupils from this area avail themselves of transport to post primary schools in Dublin on CIE scheduled services. The Department of Education have no function in the operation of CIE scheduled service.
It is understood that the majority of the pupils travelling hold CIE weekly tickets and, in the circumstances, the overall numbers would not be a matter for the Department.
However in the current school year 42 post primary pupils from Ashbourne avail themselves of transport facilities to schools in Dublin under the Department's post primary school transport scheme.
The projected number of post primary pupils who will avail themselves of school transport under the Department's transport scheme from Ashbourne to Dublin over the next three years is not expected to change substantially from the existing level.
I am happy that the implementation of the Road Traffic Regulations ensures that school buses are not overloaded.
It is not possible at this stage to say when the new Community School in Ashbourne will be completed and ready for occupation.
