Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for being with us tonight to address the very important issue of school transport. I want to talk specifically about the area of Kilnaleck in the heart of County Cavan. This is a beautiful, idyllic village in the heart of the county. There are 25 students currently having to use private transport to get to school in Cavan town.

There are three big secondary schools in Cavan town and 25 students currently have to pay for a private bus service.

This is not a new issue. It is an issue that has been ongoing for years. One of the parents told me that 50 years ago there was a route from Kilnaleck into Cavan town but, for some reason along the way, that was changed. I am hoping that as a result of this debate we will have the opportunity to change and rectify that and make school transport a possibility and a real part of the lives of the parents who have this relentless problem around school transport.

As I said, there are parents whose children have to use private school transport. Of course, I acknowledge the fact it is the second closet school and it is not the nearest. I am asking that under the review around school transport the scope of that would be broadened to facilitate parents and students like those in Kilnaleck and to ensure the second closest school will be an option for them.

I have already explored all options. We have looked at Local Link and so on but none of that is a runner. I have tried to be flexible. Ultimately, there are 25 students and countless families who deserve school transport to Cavan town.

One of the parents has given me a very clear example of where it is costing more than €1,400 per annum to get her child to school. On top of that, she drives 4,000 km each year to get her child to the pick-up point outside Kilnaleck. That is before the child even gets on the bus to go to school.

The Minister of State will have got the gist of my ask. I will allow time for my colleague.

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