Multiple daily trips from Swords to Balbriggan is a reality for Swords families whose children attend Cholaiste Glor na Mara in Balbriggan.
Some 35 students from Swords attend the Irish language secondary school but because of Department of Education rules they do not receive a bus service.
According to department rules, only students attending the gaelcholáiste in Donaghmede are in receipt of a bus service.
This is despite the Irish language secondary school in Donaghmede being over subscribed and Swords families being forced to attend Glor na Mara if they wish their children receive their education thorugh Irish.
The families affected are calling on the Minister for Education Norma Foley to make provision for a bus services for the students affected.
Cllr Ian Carey said:
“We need to support all students travelling to school in the most sustainable mode available. It’s a disgrace that we are effectively telling families they need to drive their cars from Swords to Balbriggan multiple times a day so their children can receive an education through Irish.
“I was happy to support the families calls and write to the Minister in relation to this. It’s a no-brainer and we should be extending the use of buses for school transport across the board. I hope that Minister Foley can see the sense in providing sustainable transport for these students.”
