Michael Ring
Question:486 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport can be provided for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo following the closure of the school (details supplied) in their area. [18327/00]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
The Deputy will be aware of the decision taken in October 1997 by the trustees to phase out the school in question over a two year period to the end of the 1999-2000 school year. Arrangements were made for the other post primary school in the same catchment area to enrol all new pupils, who would formerly have enrolled in the closing school in addition to the pupils remaining in that school at the end of the 1999-2000 school year.
In the circumstances, the pupils referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for full transport facilities, as sought, as the school in question is outside their catchment area. The best that can be offered is catchment boundary transport to the centre in question, provided that there are places available on the school bus. The pupils are responsible for making their own way to the nearest pick-up point within the catchment area of that school.