Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 2

Written Answers. - County Galway School Bus Services.

Noel Treacy

Question:

169 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the low standard of buses being used at a location (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that some of these buses are over 30 years old; the exact number of buses in this school catchment area; the area which each bus serves; the registration of each bus in each area; the age of each bus; if she has satisfied herself that each bus is road worthy, is safe and secure for transporting children in modern times and that they are properly insured; the buses, if any, that have broken down in the recent past; if they have been refurbished or otherwise; if she will put a new fleet of buses in this catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4503/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Portumna catchment area is served by five large Bus Éireann buses, and a list of the areas served by them is attached. Details of the registration of each vehicle and their exact age are not readily available, as Bus Éireann runs a fleet of some 750 buses, varying in age, which are interchangeable between routes. However, I am satisfied that the buses concerned and all other vehicles operating the scheme meet the required safety standards, are properly insured and are suitable for the transportation of school children.

I understand that two Portumna routes were recently affected by a breakdown, but the vehicle in question has now been repaired. A contractor is also on standby in the event of any further problems arising. I can also assure the Deputy that the Bus Éireann fleet is replaced on a continual basis. Accordingly, the Portumna area will be considered in the overall context of fleet replacement.

List of routes in the Portumna Catchment Area served by five large Bus Éireann buses.

Route 257: Killimor — Killadulisk — Cloonalish — Portumna

Route 258: Killimor — Heathlawn — Portumna

Route 255: Killeen — Nutgrove — Duniry — Portumna

Route 260: Carrigahorrig — Ballymacegan — Portland — Portumna

Route 261: Killimor — Clontuskert — Ballycrissane — Portumna

Route 262: Tynagh — Gortanumera — Portumna

Route 259: Derry — Eyrecourt — Ballycrissane — Portumna

Route 256: Ballyshrule — Killeen — Portumna