Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
869. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the bus service to Ballinabranna, County Carlow will change its route slightly to facilitate persons (details supplied) in County Carlow to travel to Red Rock quarry and then onto Whelan's Cross. [41320/14]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann which is responsible for operating the scheme has advised that the children in question are not eligible for school transport as they are not attending their nearest school.
They are currently availing of school transport on a concessionary basis and in accordance with the terms of the scheme this service cannot be extended or altered as this would result in additional cost to the State. The terms of the scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.
