Dunseverick, Northern Ireland – The abrupt decision by the Education Authority (EA) to withdraw the yellow school bus service for Dunseverick Primary School has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting outrage from parents and officials alike. The EA’s announcement, made with less than a week’s notice, has left families scrambling for alternatives just as the school year begins.
North Antrim MP Jim Allister has been vocal in his criticism, describing the decision as arbitrary and detrimental to rural education. “Rural schools are often treated as the poor relations in education. The sudden withdrawal of the yellow school bus service from Dunseverick Primary School exemplifies this neglect,” Allister stated. He highlighted that the EA’s alternative—a mere 8-seater taxi—fails to meet the needs of all students, particularly new pupils who had relied on the bus service.
The Principal of Dunseverick Primary School, Mrs L. Smyth, echoed Allister’s concerns, revealing that the EA informed the school on 25th August that the bus service would be discontinued. “This decision was reportedly due to a decline in pupil numbers, but it has left families in a precarious situation regarding their children’s safe travel to school,” she explained. Smyth emphasised that the taxi arrangement does not accommodate new families seeking transport for this academic year.
In response to the growing dissatisfaction, Smyth has organised a public meeting for Tuesday, 8th September, at 7.00 pm at Dunseverick Primary School. She has urged parents, local representatives, and community members to attend and voice their concerns regarding the withdrawal of the bus service. Additionally, she called on local media to highlight the challenges faced by families in rural areas, stating, “Media coverage can play a vital role in ensuring that the voices of rural communities are heard.”
In a letter addressed to Jon Burrows MLA, Chief Executive of the EA, Richard Pengelly defended the decision, citing a low number of eligible pupils as the reason for the change. “As of 20 August 2026, there were only six pupils eligible for assistance on this route, which does not warrant the provision of a large vehicle,” Pengelly stated. He noted that the EA’s vehicle had been reassigned to provide transport for students with special educational needs in the wider Coleraine area.
Pengelly further explained that the education sector is under significant financial pressure, necessitating the effective and efficient use of resources. He mentioned that since the initial decision, several new applications for transport assistance have been received and are currently under assessment. However, he firmly stated that there is no basis at this time for reintroducing the 33-seat bus service.
As the community rallies to restore the essential school transport service, the outcome of the upcoming public meeting remains uncertain. With families advocating for their children’s right to safe and reliable transportation, the EA faces mounting pressure to reconsider its decision. The voices of Dunseverick’s parents and students may very well shape the future of school transport in the region as the situation continues to unfold.
