School transport at risk due to bus pay dispute

HUNDREDS of children in the north-west could be left with no way of getting to school because of a pay dispute between Bus Éireann and private transport companies.

Five bus companies are seeking a 15% increase in fees for the use of 14 minibuses bringing pupils to schools in Sligo and Leitrim because of rising costs.

“Fuel has gone up 20% in the last year and it’s still going up; we heard today that oil has gone up to $70 a barrel,” said Jimmy Middleton of the Sligo Leitrim Private Bus Operators’ Association.