Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2009
1077 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the effect a change in a school route is having in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; the reason for these changes; if he will reconsider reinstating the original route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37943/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and organising of school bus routes is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.
School bus routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable level of service while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner.
A change to an existing route may be necessary for operational reasons or to reflect changing travel patterns in terms of numbers and location of pupils seeking transport. Such changes could affect the location of pick-up points, the timetable of the service, and travelling and waiting times for some children. However, where changes are necessary, services are generally planned in such a way that these children will have a service within the guidelines of the school transport schemes.
The Transport Liaison Officer for county Westmeath has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, resides 2 kilometres from the existing pick up point which is within the guidelines of the school transport scheme.
