The Transport For Ireland bus routes in Laois have been described as “chaos” by a local Councillor.
Independent Cllr, Ollie Clooney was speaking at the most recent meeting of Laois County Council, where he called on the Council to:
“Contact Transport for Ireland (TFI) to ask them to adjust the timetable so that it works better for students wishing to use the service.”
Cllr Clooney urged for consultation between TFI and local schools take place prior to setting these new timetables, insisting busses are not getting students to school on time.
“I don’t know who does the timetables, but certainly they don’t take into consideration the stop-offs,” Cllr Clooney said.
“There’s no logical thinking gone into it.”
Cllr Clooney also called on the Government to provide free transport for secondary and third level students.
“Education is a brilliant thing. Ireland is known for education, and (the Government) could spend money a lot worse than bussing children to school and back.”
The Independent Cllr said such a move would help to ease the burden on hard-working young families who are “paying through the roof” for mortgages and child-care.
Cllr Aisling Moran supported the motion, adding that more trains are needed to alleviate the strain on busses as third-level students struggle to find adequate transport links.
Cllr Moran agreed that the travel for primary and secondary schools has been severely affected, calling the situation “a complete mess.”
“Bus Éireann are reneging on their contracts that they had with the schools to provide school transport.
“Instead, sold tickets to kids and then provided no bus – left kids standing on the side of the road, not realising no bus was coming.”
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