Bus Eireann has decided to withdraw its bus service to three schools in Tullamore, Co Offaly, because it claims it can no longer cope with vandalism and disruptive behaviour by pupils.
The company said some pupils had brought knives on the bus, vandalised seats and damaged air vents. Some buses had become "inoperable" for a time due to damage caused by some pupils.
Other problems experienced, according to Bus Eireann area manager for the midlands, Mr Ken Byran, were fighting among pupils on the bus and food and other objects being thrown at the driver.
He said the service would not be restored until parents gave a "firm guarantee" the service would no longer be disrupted by pupils. The last bus ran on Thursday evening.
The three schools served by the service are Tullamore College, Sacred Heart Secondary school and Tullamore CBS. Principals of two of the schools declined to comment yesterday when contacted by The Irish Times. However, one said only a small group of pupils was involved.
The school transport liaison officer of Offaly Vocational Education Committee, Mr Dermot O'Neill, was attempting yesterday to resolve the situation on behalf of the schools. However, Mr Byran said he did not envisage the service being resumed soon.
Several parents contacted Bus Eireann to complain at the withdrawal, but until the safety of the driver and children on the bus could be assured, it would not be restored, said Mr Byran.
He said several pupils had been suspended from using the service, but this had little effect. He said one of the worst incidents was when pupils removed a heavy floor plate and the ground was visible from inside the bus.
He said an inspector had been put on the bus on several occasions, but once this person left trouble resumed again. Up to 50 pupils could be on the bus.