Brady Slams Bus Éireann Over Cancellation of School Bus from Newtownmountkennedy to Kilcoole

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has voiced his frustration at Bus Éireann after a number of families from Newtownmountkennedy and the surrounding area were told, the very week schools return, that there will be no school bus service to Kilcoole despite previously being assured their child had a place.

Speaking on the issue, Deputy Brady said: “Parents have been left stunned and outraged after being told there will be no school bus from Newtownmountkennedy to Kilcoole this year, despite being issued with confirmation of a place and even ticket numbers from Bus Éireann. To be told the very week schools return that this service is not operating due to a lack of driver availability is simply disgraceful.”

Deputy Brady said he has been contacted by a number of constituents on the matter and criticised both the timing and the lack of forward planning by Bus Éireann and the government.

“This bus service has run in previous years and families rightly expected that the commitment given to them would be honoured. Parents are now left scrambling for alternatives at the last minute, with no regard shown for the stress this has caused or the disruption to children starting back to school. I have raised the issue of no public transport service between Newtownmountkennedy and Kilcoole, particularly for those who depend on it for school, and it shows once again the complete lack of joined up thinking from government and agencies like the NTA when it comes to basic services,” he said.

Deputy Brady also highlighted that the absence of a secondary school in Newtownmountkennedy is adding to the problem.

“The lack of a secondary school in Newtownmountkennedy means children have to travel to places like Kilcoole and Greystones. Yet the government and the Department of Education have made it clear that they have no plans to build such a school, despite the clear and growing need. This is why services like this bus route are absolutely vital, and why proper investment in public transport and school transport is urgently needed,” he said.

Deputy Brady confirmed he has written to both the Minister for Transport and Bus Éireann to demand urgent intervention.

“This situation is completely unacceptable. Parents were given written confirmation of school bus places for their children. For that commitment to be pulled away at the last-minute shows utter disregard for families. I will continue to press for urgent action to have this service reinstated without delay.”