Students in Kilmacrennan who were denied seats on school bus transport this term are still waiting on their places this week.
A solution for North Donegal students travelling to Milford was described as ‘secured’ by the Department of Education last Thursday. However, Pat the Cope claims that Bus Eireann were not informed of any agreement.
The Fianna Fáil Deputy said: “I have spoken to Minister Halligan in relation to this matter and he again assures me that the necessary arrangements will be put in place in the coming week, but as of yesterday Bus Eireann still had not been informed by the Department that the additional bus route had been sanctioned by the Department of Education school transport section.”
Pat the Cope added: “I can understand the frustrations of the parents and indeed I find it difficult to understand why there has been such a lethargic follow through by the Department on this matter.”
The Deputy pointed out that students without bus places in Kilmacrennan and Termon cannot avail of the service until an agreement is approved.
Pat the Cope said: “I would expect that if the Department issue the necessary paperwork that the Bus could be operational within one week and that is what is urgently required by the powers that be, it is pointless making agreements or finding solutions to problems if we fail to implement them afterwards. The solution to this transport issue is simple – restore the bus services as was without delay.”