School service hit as bus strike continues

EXAM worries were exacerbated for a number of students when the bus contracted to take them to Bush Post Primary School didn’t turn up on Monday morning due to the bus strike.

While none of the students missed their practical paper in the Junior and Leaving Cert exams, a number of parents took to Facebook to voice their concerns.

A spokesperson for Anchor Tours who run the service from Faughart to Bush said they had been told by Bus Éireann not to operate the service as it was deemed a ‘road passenger service’ as it’s not paid for by the Department of Education.

Arrangements have since been made to ensure that students can get to school without any delays.

Bus passengers face further disruption this Wednesday when Bus Éireann workers protest outside Leinster House, amid fears that the industrial action may escalate if members of Dublin Bus and Iarnod Eireann join the protest.

SIPTU stated on Monday that it will ballot members working at the bus and rail companies for action in support of the Bus Éireann staff. However, it will be next week before the ballot takes place and further action is unlikely before the end of April.

The strike on passenger routes has seen more passengers using train and private bus services and extra cars on the roads. Matthews Coaches say they are trying to provide as much capacity as they can.