Menu
05/09/2006
Government funding for school bus safety
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) has today welcomed a government cash boost for the provision of safer transport for children travelling to and from school.
Just two months ago NICCY research, in co-operation with the Department of Regional Development and the General Consumer Council, produced several recommendations, many of which the government are now planning to implement.
NICCY Commissioner, Barney McNeany, said today’s announcement was a welcome injection of money to a school transport system that children and young people had been worried about for some time.
He said: “Children themselves told us of their concerns over safety.
“Issues like the three for two rule, which allowed three pupils to occupy a seat designed for two people, obviously compromised safe travel.”
He continued: “The research, which we launched in June with DRD and the Consumer Council, highlighted this issue as well as parents anxiety over the lack of safety belts on school buses.
“This announcement will go some way to addressing the issues identified in our research, but I hope that the implementation programme can be speeded up so that the risk to children and young people is reduced as quickly as possible.”
Mr McNeany said that school transport was a complex area, and that parents, children and political representatives have been in contact with NICCY for more than a year expressing disquiet about how children and young people get to and from school.
He added: “While this investment goes a long way to address many issues there are other areas which I will be taking forward with the Minister and her representatives, such as rural school transport, over16s school travel costs and transport of children with special educational needs.
“I have asked the Minister to establish an implementation group to make sure that her plans are put in place as soon as possible. I have also asked her to agree to carry out research in three year’s time to measure the impact of her plans on safe school transport.”
(EF)
Just two months ago NICCY research, in co-operation with the Department of Regional Development and the General Consumer Council, produced several recommendations, many of which the government are now planning to implement.
NICCY Commissioner, Barney McNeany, said today’s announcement was a welcome injection of money to a school transport system that children and young people had been worried about for some time.
He said: “Children themselves told us of their concerns over safety.
“Issues like the three for two rule, which allowed three pupils to occupy a seat designed for two people, obviously compromised safe travel.”
He continued: “The research, which we launched in June with DRD and the Consumer Council, highlighted this issue as well as parents anxiety over the lack of safety belts on school buses.
“This announcement will go some way to addressing the issues identified in our research, but I hope that the implementation programme can be speeded up so that the risk to children and young people is reduced as quickly as possible.”
Mr McNeany said that school transport was a complex area, and that parents, children and political representatives have been in contact with NICCY for more than a year expressing disquiet about how children and young people get to and from school.
He added: “While this investment goes a long way to address many issues there are other areas which I will be taking forward with the Minister and her representatives, such as rural school transport, over16s school travel costs and transport of children with special educational needs.
“I have asked the Minister to establish an implementation group to make sure that her plans are put in place as soon as possible. I have also asked her to agree to carry out research in three year’s time to measure the impact of her plans on safe school transport.”
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
27 November 2002
School children to attend drugs awareness class
Almost 100 primary school pupils from across Belfast are set to take part in a special cross-community drugs education initiative tomorrow morning.
School children to attend drugs awareness class
Almost 100 primary school pupils from across Belfast are set to take part in a special cross-community drugs education initiative tomorrow morning.
26 November 2010
NI Immigrant Influx Slows
The number of people coming to NI from Europe and other places has slowed. Official figures published on Thursday showed that immigration into Northern Ireland has slowed, it has been revealed. The economic slowdown was blamed after an estimated 2,100 extra foreign residents arrived last year- down from 10,000 at the peak five years ago.
NI Immigrant Influx Slows
The number of people coming to NI from Europe and other places has slowed. Official figures published on Thursday showed that immigration into Northern Ireland has slowed, it has been revealed. The economic slowdown was blamed after an estimated 2,100 extra foreign residents arrived last year- down from 10,000 at the peak five years ago.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
