Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I am asking the Minister for Transport to authorise Bus Éireann to re-route a service to facilitate students attending Athlone Institute of Technology. This bus service runs from Dublin to Galway and, until this year, it always stopped on the campus of Athlone Institute of Technology. In early September, I wrote to Bus Éireann's local area manager in Athlone requesting that the bus would stop on that campus to facilitate students travelling from Kinnegad, Milltownpass, Rochfortbridge, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan and Moate. I received a reply from the local area manager stating that the matter did not come within his remit and that he would have to speak to the Department of Transport. Why in God's name can a local area manager not re-route a service or ask a bus driver to stop at an institute of technology? This typifies the way State-sponsored bodies are disconnected from their clients and customers.

The first year student intake in AIT increased by 24% this year and, as a mother, I have serious concerns about the safety and general well-being of these young people. I was contacted by a mother from Rochfortbridge who articulated similar concerns about her youngster having to walk 2.5 miles from the bus station to the college in the dark every morning and evening. Over recent years, a predator has sexually assaulted a number of young people in the area. Mothers from rural areas are concerned about the welfare of their children in large towns where drugs and anti-social behaviour are worries.

I fail to understand the disconnect between the local area manager and the Department and why he cannot authorise a bus to stop at AIT. It makes no sense given this was the case every other year. Will the Minister to State give a reasonable reply in order that I can return to my constituents with a reasonable, honest response that is not a load of highfalutin ráiméis?