Press Statement
24 May 2005
Donegal Youth Council calling for the introduction of seat belts on school buses
The members of Donegal Youth Council would like to extend their sympathy to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic road accident in Co. Meath yesterday evening.
Donegal Youth Council has actively voiced its concern over the number of students per seat and the provision of seat belts on school buses and has facilitated two meetings with Bus Eireann and Lough Swilly Bus Company to discuss these issues over the last few months.
Speaking about these issues this week Marybrid Sweeney, Youth Councillor in the Milford Electoral area stated that she “failed to understand why seat belts were in place for members of the public but not for children and young people on school buses”.
She added that after our last meeting with both Bus Eireann and Lough Swilly Bus Co. it was decided to contact the Department of Education regarding the safety issues raised at the meeting and the Department advised us that it was the Department of Transport who specified guidelines in relation to the number of students per seat and provision of seat belts”.
Anne Mc Geever, Youth Council Co-ordinator with Donegal County Council, stated that “addressing health and safety issues on school buses has been a priority for the Youth Council and it stands to reason that if you have three students per seat with school bags and sports bags, how can the safety of the student be ensured?” She added that “at the moment, the thoughts of all those on the Youth Council are firmly with the family and friends of those who lost their lives yesterday evening”.
END
For further information contact:
Anne McGeever
Youth Council Co-Ordinator
Tel: 074 91 94241
Anne Marie Conlon
Communications Officer
Tel: 074 91 72574
Email: amconlon@donegalcoco.ie