Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2009
1231 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a decision has been made on a request to move a pick-up point closer to the home of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such a change will benefit two other families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30943/09]
View answerPrimary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 2.4 kilometres to travel to a pick-up point. Pupils living off the main route of a service are expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route. Home pick-ups were never envisaged as being part of the Primary School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann, which is responsible for the operation of the school transport scheme, on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, resides 0.6 kilometres from the existing pick up point. Bus Éireann has also advised that two children in another family reside 0.7 kilometres from the existing pick up point. The families concerned should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of a payable extension to the current service.
