New Bus Éireann service proposed from Portlaoise to nearby school

"If enough parents apply, there is a good chance that Bus Eireann will set up a public-school bus service to Ratheniska school," the Parents Association have said.

"The advantage of this would be that instead of you transporting your children to school from Portlaoise and paying for the private bus, you will instead be making a once-off €50 payment to Bus Éireann. This will cover an entire academic year," they said.

Pictured: Ratheniska NS. Photo: Google Maps

Interested parents must pay the €50 per child before April 25.

"This money will be returned if there is not enough interest and no seat is offered to your child, as per terms and conditions on the Bus Eireann website," the Parent's Association explained.

"Please apply as soon as possible if you would be interested in a Bus Eireann bus service for next year. This would be a great service to have, as many children travel out to Ratheniska from Portlaoise each day," they finished.

Ratheniska NS currently has 232 pupils enrolled in the school, with many travelling from Portlaoise and surrounding areas.