Mayo TD welcomes school transport refunds

MAYO Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has received assurances that school transport refunds will be given to fare paying families for the duration of time that schools were closed during lockdown.

She explained: “People will be given refunds for unused school transport during lockdown. The amount due for refund will either be credited to the Bus Éireann family account or refunded into the bank account which the original payment was made from.”

Deputy Conway-Walsh is also encouraging parents to get applications for the 2021/22 school year in early.

“The closing date for applications for the school year 2021/2022 is Friday, April 30, however late applications are accepted beyond this date but do not guarantee a seat.

“Late applications were never an issue in the past. However, last year many students were left stranded as a result of a lack of forethought in relation to Covid and the need for additional capacity. Parents and families were then blamed for not applying early enough,” she said.

“Applications for school transport must be made online at https://www.buseireann.ie/. Only new pupils need to apply for transport unless contact is made from Bus Éireann.

“Applications for existing pupils roll over from one year to the next.”

Payments for the school year 2021/22 can be made online from June 21 until July 30.

Medical card details do not roll over from one year to the next and must be entered once an invoice is issued.

Added Deputy Conway-Walsh: “I am very conscious that the cost of concessionary tickets causes difficulties for many hard working families on low incomes without medical cards. €100 for primary and €350 for post-primary pupils causes financial stress in many households even if it can be spread over two payments.

“Families who have any difficulties in relation to making an application or payment should contact the local School Transport Office on (096) 71800.”