HUNDREDS of children were missing from the classroom yesterday, an MLA has said, after six school bus routes in Co Fermanagh and Fivemiletown did not operate due to a lack of drivers.
The Education Authority (EA) said the routes did not run as a result of disruption caused by the Covid pandemic.
The disruption affected children travelling to several primary and post-primary schools, including St Patrick's PS in Derrygonnelly, Killyhommon PS, St Mary’s PS in Fivemiletown and St Kevin's College in Lisnaskea.
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has written to the chief executive of the EA following the disruption.
"It is bitterly disappointing to hear of the disruption this morning that prevented hundreds of students from getting to school on the first day of the new term," he said.
"I have written to the chief executive of the Education Authority to get answers for parents on the extent of the disruption and to ask why no contingency plans were in place so parents could have a chance to make alternative travel arrangements."
He added: "Children in rural areas have already suffered more than most due to Covid-lockdowns and it is vitally important they have access to an adequate and reliable bus service."
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has said the EA must tackle driver shortages.
"These school buses are an essential service that many families rely on to ensure that children get to school and home again safely," he said.
"The Education Authority must address this issue immediately and ensure that there is no further disruption to this service or children’s schooling."
An EA spokesman said transport services in the area were facing challenges.
"EA has worked extremely hard to deliver essential services, such as transport, throughout the Covid pandemic," he said.
"However, like many essential services we continue to experience challenges.
"We make every effort to prevent services being affected, however issues can arise at extremely short notice and it may not always be possible to put in place alternative transport arrangements."
