I propose that this Local authority write to both the Minister of Education and the Minister for Transport expressing our dissatisfaction around the issue of school transport, where concessionary ticket holders are again being denied school transport and ask that every effort is made to ensure that these students have access to the transport required. It is simply not good enough to inform students and parents of the withdrawal of this service three days before they return to school.
Minutes:
It was agreed by the Members that Motion No 12 in the name of Councillor Padraig Fallon, Motion No 15 in the name of Councillor Sean McGowan, Motion No 16 in the name of Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and Motion No 22 in the name of Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn be taken concurrently as they related to the same issue.
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Padraig Fallon;
"I propose that this Local authority write to both the Minister of Education and the Minister for Transport expressing our dissatisfaction around the issue of school transport, where concessionary ticket holders are again being denied school transport and ask that every effort is made to ensure that these students have access to the transport required. It is simply not good enough to inform students and parents of the withdrawal of this service three days before they return to school."
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Sean McGowan;
"I seek the support of members in calling on the Department of Education & Minister Norma Foley to provide additional funding for the school transport scheme. As a result of the Covid restrictions there is only 50% capacity on schools’ buses serving second-level schools, with the result that there is a shortage of buses & drivers to serve the national schools and children who were availing of the concessionary tickets now find themselves missing out as a result."
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy O'Rourke;
"I ask that Leitrim County Council support a call to the Department of Education to provide the additional resources to allow the schools transport section of Bus Eireann provide what is essential transport for students attending school. With reduced capacity in buses due to Covid-19 many with concession tickets are being left without transport at a very important time in their education with many families unable to meet the challenge of providing private transport."
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn;
"I ask that Leitrim County Council write to Department of Education regarding the issue of children with concessionary school transport tickets. Each year there is a problem with transport for pupils attending schools from primary to second level.
In some cases, the bus has not enough seats and in other cases the larger bus seats are not filled. Each child is entitled to a bus to school within relevant guidelines. This seems to be country wide issue."
Councillor Padraig Fallon stated that this issue affects Leitrim as a very rural county, outlining that some families only found out a few days before the school opened that they had no place on the bus. He stated he was aware of a situation where a parent will have to give up their job unless their starting and finishing times are staggered.
Councillor Sean McGowan said this is a regular issue every Autumn and he said there are not enough buses and drivers. Councillor McGowan referred to a particular family that had a concessionary ticket for the last 15 years and when their youngest daughter was due to avail of it, they were told there was no place.
Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn said this was not a new problem. Parents have had enough they are expected to pay up front for a concessionary ticket and then are told at the last minute there is no seat for their child. This is completely unfair on families and especially on children who have been under stress with the pandemic and the Department of Education will have to look at things in this regard.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said additional resources need to be put in place immediately as many children with concessionary tickets are left without transport at an important stage in their education and with their families unable to provide private transport.
Councillor Brendan Barry said this is a serious issue and Post Primary buses should go back to 100% capacity. National School Buses are currently at 100%. With so many people now vaccinated the Post Primary buses should go back to 100%.
Councillor Enda Stenson said this issue arises every year.
Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motions.
Councillor Enda McGloin said he got a response from the Minister’s Secretary in this regard, and it was confirmed that the capacity of Post Primary School buses will be reviewed and addressed.
Councillor Des Guckian asked that each political party contact their spokesperson and get their views put across in the Dail in this regard.
Councillor Padraig Fallon said he has spoken with the Sinn Fein Spokesperson in this regard and Minister Foley has confirmed that it is the next nearest school.
Councillor Caillian Ellis said that the Department of Education has the sole responsibility for this not Bus Eireann. Councillor Ellis said students choose schools that offer the subjects they want. Councillor Ellis said Bus Eireann have been advised that 50% capacity is to remain in place until 22nd December for Post Primary. He said that even with full capacity there are still insufficient places for concessionary ticket holders.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Padraig Fallon
SECONDED by Cllr. Sean McGowan
It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council write to both the Minister of Education and the Minister for Transport expressing our dissatisfaction around the issue of school transport, where concessionary ticket holders are again being denied school transport and ask that every effort is made to ensure that these students have access to the transport required. It is simply not good enough to inform students and parents of the withdrawal of this service three days before they return to school."
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan
SECONDED by Cllr. Paddy O’Rourke
It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Department of Education & Minister Norma Foley to provide additional funding for the school transport scheme. As a result of the Covid restrictions there is only 50% capacity on schools’ buses serving second-level schools, with the result that there is a shortage of buses & drivers to serve the national schools and children who were availing of the concessionary tickets now find themselves missing out as a result."
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Paddy O’Rourke
SECONDED by Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn
It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Department of Education to provide the additional resources to allow the schools transport section of Bus Eireann provide what is essential transport for students attending school. With reduced capacity in buses due to Covid-19 many with concession tickets are being left without transport at a very important time in their education with many families unable to meet the challenge of providing private transport."
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ita Reynolds Flynn
SECONDED by Cllr Brendan Barry
It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council write to Department of Education regarding the issue of children with concessionary school transport tickets. Each year there is a problem with transport for pupils attending schools from primary to second level.
In some cases, the bus has not enough seats and in other cases the larger bus seats are not filled. Each child is entitled to a bus to school within relevant guidelines. This seems to be country wide issue.