Wicklow Warned of Return To School Transport Chaos

Wicklow TD John Brady is calling for urgent action to resolve any issues before schools reopen.

Sinn Féin TD John Brady says families across Wicklow are once again facing uncertainty over school transport, just weeks before term begins.

Deputy Brady says long travel distances and limited public transport mean many Wicklow families depend heavily on the school bus. The Wicklow TD maintains the Government has failed to properly plan, resource or reform the scheme.

In one estate alone in Kilpedder, he says at least twelve children who travelled to Coláiste Chraobh Abhann in Kilcoole last year currently have no seat for September.

It's not the first time this has happened. Two years ago, it took seven months for a school bus route between Ashford and Wicklow Town to be reinstated. That left 53 pupils without transport for most of the school year.

Deputy Brady says a recent Government review identified the problems with the school transport system and pointed to solutions, but claims many of its recommendations remain unimplemented.

He's calling on the Department to act urgently to resolve any issues before schools reopen, saying families need certainty, not "another year of confusion and frustration."