Local TD Calls On Education Department To Step In Over School Bus Shortages.

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Department of Education to resolve the outstanding issues of school bus shortages for Wicklow students.

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore has called on the Department of Education to resolve the outstanding issues of school bus shortages for students attending schools in Wicklow after it was revealed that 90 students still do not have a bus place.

The Social Democrats TD for Wicklow was provided with an update from Bus Éireann on several services that have commenced. However, the information showed her that four of the routes in the county have 90 students in total who still no school bus place."I am very frustrated, as are so many parents around Wicklow, that halfway through the school year, we still have 90 students with no school bus operating,” she said. “It is ridiculous that many students are still waiting for the Department and Bus Éireann to resolve this issue. I know that Bus Éireann have been working hard to get more school buses operating; however, the system, which is ultimately the responsibility of the Department of Education, is in need of an overhaul.”In their update on Friday, Bus Éireann confirmed to Deputy Whitmore that the commencement of two services would start on Monday, December 11, these being the bus to post primary schools in Wicklow town and to Ashford National School.A bus service has also commenced to Wicklow Educate Together National School.“These parents had to pay for their bus tickets in May and now Christmas is about to arrive and they still haven’t secured a bus place,” Deputy Whitmore said.