Castle Tower school bus cancellations prompts second apology from EA

A Stormont politician described the situation as a "shocking lack of provision" from the Education Authority

The Education Authority has apologised for the second time inside a week after some school bus services were withdrawn at short notice.

This week pupils attending Castle Tower, a special educational needs school in Ballymena, County Antrim, faced difficulties with transport.

Parents were told to expect disruption the night before buses were withdrawn, according Alliance MLA Patricia O'Lynn.

The Education Authority (EA) said the bus run was now back in operation.

The disruption followed transport problems at the Mary Queen of Peace Primary School in Glenravel last week, where more than 100 pupils were left without school transport for two days.

Ms O'Lynn, a local assembly member, criticised the EA over both incidents for its "shocking lack" of provision and preparation.

In relation to Castle Tower, the Alliance MLA said pupils' parents were told that "information will be forthcoming on a 'day by day' basis" which had left families unable to plan their school runs.

Some 365 pupils attend Castle Tower School and it is understood the vast majority rely on EA transport services each day.

It is not yet clear how many pupils have faced disruption getting to and from school this week but the EA said it was a "small number".

'Unacceptable'

"Once more we are seeing the impacts of EA's lack of foresight and shocking lack of provision," Ms O'Lynn said.

"And once again it is children and parents who are missing out - children on their education and social lives, and parents on work, study, and other responsibilities.

"It is unacceptable in isolation, but coming so soon after the incident at Mary Queen of Peace Primary School, it is unacceptable.

"The EA stated last week it had a range of contingency plans for such occurrences but this is clear evidence that is not the case. I have now sought a meeting with the organisation to seek clarity on why this keeps happening.

"I have already pointed to the increased pressures this causes for parents in the midst of a cost of living crisis."

In a statement, an EA spokesperson said: "We apologise for the frustration and inconvenience caused to a small number of parents and pupils at Castle Tower Special School earlier this week.    

"We do have a range of contingency measures in place to deal with disruption but unfortunately it isn't always possible to arrange alternative transport, particularly at short notice, depending on the circumstances combined with the industry shortage of drivers.

"We can confirm that this bus run is back in operation today (Thursday 6 October 2022)."