Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Jun 1993

Vol. 431 No. 6

Written Answers. - County Donegal School Transport.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

137 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that post primary children from the Ardara area arrive each morning to St. Columba's Comprehensive school, Glenties, County Donegal, approximately one and a half hours before commencement of classes, she will approve a larger type bus on this route in the coming school year in order to alleviate the hardship caused to children, particularly during the winter period.

Mary Coughlan

Ceist:

140 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the problems being faced by children attending Glenties Comprehensive School, County Donegal, due to the removal of the large bus service from Ardara and from the outgoing areas of Meenacahan, Carrickacleane and Thaven; if she will reinstate the original large bus services to ensure that children would not have to stay in the school premises from 8.15 a.m. and could return home shortly after 4 p.m. and not at 5 p.m. as at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 140 together.

In organising school transport services, Bus Éireann plan routes in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, every eligible pupil has a reasonable standard of service from the point of view of timetable, while, at the same time, ensuring that vehicles are fully utilised in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. In order to do this, individual vehicles are generally required to operate a number of trips to schools and, consequently, some pupils may have to wait some time, both morning and evening for their service. Such an arrangement applies in this case and I am satisfied that the standard of service from the Ardara area is on a par with that available in other areas throughout the country. In the circumstances, the present arrangement is the most that can be offered.