Staff and parents at Cork school call for second bus with first 'oversubscribed'

STAFF and parents of students attending Coláiste an Chroí Naofa, Carrignavar are campaigning for a second school bus, saying it is oversubscribed every year.

Sinn Féin Local Election candidate Mandy O'Leary Hegarty has called on Education Minister, Norma Foley to engage with communities in Upper Glanmire and White's Cross in response to their campaign for a second school bus for the area.

She explained, “The Bus Éireann School Transport Scheme operates a bus service from Upper Glanmire and White's Cross to. Every year this service is oversubscribed.

“As parents, we apply each year without knowing if our children will have a bus seat for the forthcoming school year.

“The concessionary ticketing allocation means we face a lottery, that's not right. This should be about children getting to school, not winning a prize.

She continued, “In September 2023, the school bus was oversubscribed yet again. This meant a number of children lost their seats or new pupils starting secondary school didn't get a place on the bus.

“Following a recent successful community meeting, families have come together to campaign for our children and for pupils starting in September 2024.

“Our aim is clear - no child should be left behind without a school bus seat,” she said, adding, “It is important for children in the growing communities of Upper Glanmire and White's Cross to be able to get a bus to school.” 

The community’s petition has asked the public to support their community and children in asking Minister Norma Foley “to engage with us and see for herself our growing community needs a second bus on this route”.

“We are asking Minister Foley to take a common sense approach sooner rather than later before more pupils lose out,” they added.

You can sign their petition, which has nearly 450 votes so far, HERE.