Clarke launches SF proposals to fix 'school transport chaos'

Sinn Féin spokesperson on education, Sorca Clarke, TD, has launched the party’s policy document outlining how to reform the school transport system and end the chaos families face.

The plan sets out how the party would expand school transport and deliver an additional 100,000 school bus places.

That would benefit students and their parents, as well as reducing traffic congestion.

Teachta Clarke said: “Today Sinn Féin launch our plan to reform school transport and ensure it works for students and their parents. This would involve an investment of more than €250 million.

“Our plan would expand school transport and deliver an additional 100,000 school bus places. It would expand the eligibility criteria for mainstream school transport and build capacity in the school transport system.

“We would provide the investment required to meet the projected increase in demand for SEN transport services, to ensure that the needs of children with disabilities are met.

“Crucially, our plan keeps the current payment rates to ensure affordability for families at a time when money is already stretched for so many.”

Teachta Clarke said the school transport system is not fit for purpose – it does not meet the needs of students and their families.

“This week, schools have started back and many communities have been left without their school bus service. Some communities have no school transport options at all, which means some families face forking out €50 per student per week for private transport – which is totally unaffordable.”

She said the SF plan sets out how a better, fairer and more sustainable way is possible.

“I am calling on the government to listen to Sinn Féin’s proposals and to act.”