Proposed cuts to the school transport system that could see many rural primary schools lose bus routes will go ahead from the next school year, the government has stated.

Junior Education Minister Ciaran Cannon insisted that the changes will be implemented when pupils return in September, RTE reports.

The Department of Education will cut around 150 routes that serve schools where fewer than ten pupils live over 3 km away, while many other families who had previously benefitted from free travel will now have to pay.

From the start of the next school year, a minimum of 50 euros per child will be levied on primary school students, while the maximum amount payable by families sending children to secondary schools will be 650 euros.

The moves are intended to save the government 3.5 million euros a year, but have been fiercely opposed by rural communities, who will be among the hardest hit.

Earlier this month, Sinn Fein Councillor for Harestown Imelda Munster told the Drogheda Independent that the changes would "cause undue hardship and uncertainty to many families attending rural schools".

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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