Kilkenny TD claims 'immediate attention' must be paid to local bus routes

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, John McGuinness, has asked for 'immediate attention' to be paid to two Kilkenny bus services as local students struggle to access schools and colleges.

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Mr McGuinness said: "I just want to mention the service from South Kilkenny to Waterford and from Gowran to Kilkenny. It requires immediate attention because of the number of families affected.

I ask the Minister to bring before the Dáil the complete details of the school bus system, its costs and so on and I ask that we put the school bus system out to public procurement as soon as possible," Deputy McGuinness said. 

Currently, the School Transport Scheme provides transport for children who live 3.2 km or more from their local primary school and is funded by the Department of Education.

For the school year starting in September 2023, the School Transport Scheme fee for a primary school child is €50 and for a secondary school child is €75. The maximum fee for a family is €125.

However, driver shortages and other issues have caused disruption to some services in Kilkenny and across the country.

Minister for Education, Norma Foley, confirmed reviews into the service are ongoing, with dialogue between various parties taking place.

Commenting in the Dáil on Tuesday, Minister Foley said: "I want to ensure that the school transport scheme is updated to reflect the modern realities facing it and that it can continue to benefit children and families for decades to come."