Bus ‘chaos’ for Laois students

A Councillor has claimed there is ‘chaos’ when it comes to bus services timetables in Laois.   

Independent Councillor Ollie Clooney raised the issue at the latest meeting of Laois County Council where he also called for free school transport.  

He asked in a motion: "That Laois County Council contact Transport for Ireland to ask them to adjust the timetable so that it works better for students wishing to use the service. Consultation between TFI and local secondary and third level education facilities should take place prior to setting new timetables."

Cllr Clooney said he had letters from a number of people complaining about bus services. 

“I don’t know who does the timetables,” he admitted. 

“There is no logical thinking gone into it,” he said. 

Cllr Clooney claimed buses were “coming too late for the school, coming  too early. It is unbelievable. It is chaos,” he said. 

He also said with rising costs and the pressure on families, the government should provide a free school bus service. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran pointed out that children going to college were unable to get accommodation who needed public transport.

“The Primary and Secondary schools seems to be a complete mess. I don’t know what is after happening this year,” she said. 

“”Why aren’t the Department of Education liaising with local bus companies and leave Bus Eireann out of it altogether,” she said. 

Fine Gael Cllr John King said he would like to support the motion as the issue arises every year.