John Cregan
Question:220 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the application for school transport to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21813/02]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
A school transport service to a primary school may be established where there are seven or more eligible pupils offering for transport from a distinct locality to their appropriate school.
In order to be eligible for free transport, children must live at least two miles from their nearest school, and be attending that school. Children who live in a closed school area, that is where the closed school would have been their nearest school had it remained open, may be deemed eligible for transport to the school of amalgamation only.
The position in this case is that only three of the pupils concerned are eligible for transport to the school attended. The majority of the pupils are ineligible for transport as they reside in another school area. As there are an insufficient number of eligible pupils, it is not open to my Department to establish a service as requested.