Galway East TD Seán Canney and his colleagues in the Regional Group have published a motion calling on the Government to address the problems facing the school transport scheme.
Their Dáil motion highlights the critical role of the school transport scheme in the lives of families and children and calls for immediate and comprehensive reform.
The group notes that the school transport scheme is recognised as an indispensable service for families and children across the country, pivotal for more than 149,000 children.
The TDs note the lack of access to public transport in rural areas and, therefore, the need for a fit-for-purpose school transport scheme for all students requiring transport to their nearest school, irrespective of distance.
“Our motion highlights the inadequacy of the current scheme to meet these objectives,” said Deputy Canney.
“They state there is an imperative need to reduce car journeys for environmental reasons and promote bus travel for school commutes. Still, there are continuing disruptions due to the non-availability of buses and poor compensation to private operators.”
The Regional Group of TDs are calling upon the Government to take immediate action by ensuring that families issued with concessionary tickets in the past continue to benefit from the service.
They want to see previous commitments fulfilled regarding the provision of school transport services in the event of school closures.
As well as theat, they are asking for adequate funding in the 2024 Budget and the release of the school transport scheme review without delay.
“In our motion, the Regional Group of TDs note that the Government needs to address these urgent matters and ensure the school transport scheme remains a dependable and eco-friendly means of transportation for all students,” added Deputy Canney.
