Emissions increase from school bus policy defended as 'temporary and exceptional'
A government department has defended its green credentials in light of the COVID-19 policies forcing more vehicles onto the roads in order to bring children to school.
The slashing of school bus capacity to ensure social distancing for post primary pupils is expected to result in increased traffic on the nation's roads, and thus an increase in carbon emissions. Parents will be granted €25.50 a week to arrange alternative transport, in a move described by local bus operator Kevin Fay as short-sighted.
“When the schools open up in September the town will be awash with cars. Buses will be going around half full of people and throwing out the same emissions. The Green Party are part of the government and they promised a new green way. It's an awful scenario,” Kevin told the Celt previously.
When this point was put by The Anglo-Celt to Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, a spokesperson responded that this arrangement for school transport is intended as a “temporary and exceptional” arrangement.
“In these exceptional times, it is recognised that in some instances, temporary and exceptional measures are required to combat the effects that the global pandemic has had on services, and on our lives and for the safety and wellbeing of citizens.”
The Department spokesperson that “over the coming period all other post-primary transport services will be re-organised and additional services will be provided as required to allow for physical distancing”.
They further observed that parents may use the grant to provide a green alternative to get to school.
“It is also worth noting that the grant available is for parents to arrange an alternative form of travel – this is not limited to private car use. The grant could be used to buy a bike/reflective gear/ rainproof jackets and trousers/ waterproof hiking shoes etc. to enable children to safely walk or cycle to school as is encouraged under, for example the Green Schools’ travel theme and their Active Travel – Safe to School campaign.”