Tipperary parents furious after special school transport cancelled on New Year’s Eve

Families were left distraught after being told disability school transport was cancelled, before Bus Éireann reversed the decision following pressure

Parents were fearful that their children would struggle to adapt to a new transport routine or would be devastated to miss out on schooling. iSock

Parents of children with disabilities in Tipperary were told on New Year's Eve that school transport for next week was cancelled, only to be reversed on Friday afternoon after an outcry.

Edwina McElhinney, of the support group Families Unite for Services and Support (FUSS) Tipperary, said many parents were first contacted on Wednesday about the shock cancellations.

Bus Éireann told parents, in an email seen by the Irish Examiner, that contractors previously used could no longer supply the service.

It said it was working on a solution.

It also advised applying for an interim special transport grant, and information on it would be sent to them.

A Bus Éireann spokesman said the services were " unavoidably suspended following outcome of a recent court case."

He added: "This verdict followed a thorough investigation by the CCPC, a process that Bus Éireann has supported from the outset."

He confirmed the Bus Éireann School Transport team is working on the issues.

"Bus Éireann would like to apologise to families affected for any inconvenience caused in securing a transport solution," he said.

Children attending Scoil Aonghusa, Scoil Chormaic, and a pre-school were to be affected, Ms McElhinney said.

“It has ruined the holidays for these parents,” she said.

These children are travelling long distances to get to school, some upwards of an hour to get to special schools. 

Parents were also fearful that their children would struggle to adapt to a new transport routine or would be devastated to miss out on schooling.

The families were supported by local politicians, including Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy, chairman of the Oireachtas committee on transport. His office was in touch with senior Bus Éireann officials.

Children with special needs were “at the core” of the problem, Mr Murphy said on Friday.

Edwina McElhinney, a founder of Fuss Tipperary.  at her home in Cahir. 'It has ruined the holidays for these parents,' she said. File picture: John D Kelly

“These parents were absolutely distraught,” he said, noting that specially adapted vehicles are needed.

A new operator, J&K Coaches, was only sourced on Friday afternoon, parents were told in a fresh round of emails.

Independent councillor Liam Browne gave credit to Ms McElhinney and Scoil Aonghusa principal Siobhan Ryan for their frantic efforts.

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“I’d imagine this is a temporary solution until a permanent solution is found,” he said.

He noted that a tender process would be required to offer a new permanent contract. He expects more information will be available next week.