Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

398 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will re-route the school bus service to a school (details supplied) in County Cavan in view of the fact that the re-routing will facilitate four families; and if he will make a favourable decision on this matter. [17970/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The children from three of the families in question are eligible for free transport under the primary school transport scheme, and reside 0.5 to 0.6 miles from the route of the existing service. As this is considered to be a reasonable level of service in the overall context of the scheme, I regret that it is not open to my Department to re-route the school bus as requested.

However, I am pleased to confirm that these children, on request, could be accommodated from their homes in the mornings on the light running of another vehicle which passes their school en route. This service would not, however, be available in the afternoon when the bus caters for a capacity load.

The pupils from the remaining family are ineligible for free transport as they are not attending their nearest school. They are currently availing of concessionary fare-paying facilities from a pick-up point 2.2 miles from their home. Unfortunately, this family would not benefit from the alternative service, as the bus does not travel along their road.