School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 June 2007

Wednesday, 27 June 2007

Questions (245)

David Stanton

Question:

295 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a report from Bus Éireann in relation to extending the school transport service to pupils residing in Dunderick East, to enable them to avail of the school transport service to attend a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will sanction the extension of the service; the estimated cost of extending the service in this way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17845/07]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)

A minimum of seven eligible pupils residing in a distinct locality are required for the establishment of a school bus service. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, have advised that the pupils referred to in the details supplied are residing in a separate distinct locality from the area already covered by the existing service. However, there is not a sufficient number of pupils offering for transport to warrant the establishment of a service.

Should the number of eligible pupils increase this situation may be reviewed.