Killinkere ns schoolbus service to be retained

Bus Eireann has announced that their school transport office has confirmed that the Killinkere NS service will be retained after a sufficient number of pupils had applied for the scheme.

'Letters went to the families, who use this service, last week, advising them that late applications have been received for the school bus service operating to Killinkere.

'This means there is now a sufficient number of eligible pupils to warrant the retention of the service, provided that those who have applied avail of the service,' a spokesperson said.

The service had been in doubt because not enough pupils had applied - 10 were needed - to warrant its retention. 

'Accordingly, this service will continue to operate for the 2015/16 school year once payment or medical cards are submitted for all eligible pupils who have applied,' the spokesperson said.

Fine Gael Councillor for the Bailieborough District Val Smith welcomed the news:

'I was delighted to have been informed by Minister [Damien] English that the Trevor Nesbit Bus Route is now secure for the coming school year,' he said.

'When this matter was first brought to my attention by concerned parents in Killinkere and the Principal of the National School, Mr Brian Rahill, I made contact with Minister English, who has specific responsibility in this area, through Deputy Joe O’Reilly.

'We made a strong case to the minister for the retention of this service and I am glad to see that there are now the requisite number of eligible pupils in place, to ensure that the service will continue for the coming school year.

'This is great news for the parents and pupils in Killinkere and I am happy to see the situation finally resolved,' he said.