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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Kildare School Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

497 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she will review the position regarding transport from Wheatfield Upper Straffan, County Kildare to Scoil Mhuire, in view of the scarcity of school places within the catchment area and the necessity to ensure ready access to second level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

I understand that some parents in the general area in question propose to send their children to Clane post-primary centre, which, for transport purposes, is not their appropriate centre.

I am informed that school places are available in the catchment area in question.

Some of the pupils in question are eligible for transport to Naas post-primary centre, the others to Celbridge post-primary centre.

Because they are basically eligible for transport to one or other of these two centres, the most that can be offered to them in respect of their attendance at Clane is concessionary transport from the catchment boundary of their appropriate school.

This concession is subject to spare seats being available on existing services, after all eligible pupils have been accommodated, and no extra cost being incurred.

The rules for school transport preclude the extension of bus services into adjacent catchment areas, to avoid both unnecessary duplication of services, and distortion of enrolment patterns.

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