Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

482 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a decision to phase out a bus route incursion to the catchment area of a school (details supplied) in County Galway from the Athlone catchment area, due to come into effect in 1998, has not been proceeded with; the reason the original decision has been overturned in this regard; if this incursion will be halted in 1999; if his attention has been drawn to the sensitivity of the situation and the adverse effect the current transport arrangement has on a small, but vitally important, secondary school in Ballygar, County Galway. [19164/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Following a recent meeting between my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dea, and a deputation on behalf of the pupils from the area in question, it was decided to extend the current transport arrangement for those pupils attending post-primary schools in Athlone for a further school year until June 1999.

In view of the strong representations in this case, the matter will be re-examined by my Department without prejudice to the decision to extend the service until 1999, and with due regard to the position of Ballygar as a vitally important secondary school in the area. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome in due course.