Calls to reinstate bus routes from Maghery, Annaghmore, Ballyhegan, Loughgall and Scotch Street to St John the Baptist's College in Portadown refused by Education Authority

A plea for bus services to St John the Baptist’s College from feeder areas to be reinstated has been denied by the Education Authority.
By Carmel Robinson
Published 4th Oct 2022, 17:27 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2022, 09:52 BST
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Previous bus services from Maghery to the school, serving the villages of Annaghmore, Ballyhegan, Loughgall and Scotch Street, is much needed as school numbers at the thriving school soar, says Alliances Party MLA Eóin Tennyson.

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St. John the Baptist's College rural bus route should be reinstated, says Eoin Tennyson. The route would operate between Maghery and the school, serving the villages of Annaghmore, Ballyhegan, Loughgall and Scotch Street. A school bus service previously existed along this route serving the old Drumcree College, however, it was terminated in the mid-2000’s as pupil numbers from rural areas declined.St. John the Baptist's College rural bus route should be reinstated, says Eoin Tennyson. The route would operate between Maghery and the school, serving the villages of Annaghmore, Ballyhegan, Loughgall and Scotch Street. A school bus service previously existed along this route serving the old Drumcree College, however, it was terminated in the mid-2000’s as pupil numbers from rural areas declined.
St. John the Baptist's College rural bus route should be reinstated, says Eoin Tennyson. The route would operate between Maghery and the school, serving the villages of Annaghmore, Ballyhegan, Loughgall and Scotch Street. A school bus service previously existed along this route serving the old Drumcree College, however, it was terminated in the mid-2000’s as pupil numbers from rural areas declined.

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A school bus service previously existed along this route serving the old Drumcree College, however, it was terminated in the mid-2000’s as pupil numbers from rural areas declined.

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Mr Tennyson said: “I would urge the Education Authority to give serious consideration to reinstating the rural bus route connecting Maghery, Annaghmore, Ballyhegan, Loughgall and Scotch Street with St. John the Baptist's College.

"The situation has changed with increasing numbers of pupils from rural areas attending the school. Steps must be taken to accommodate this reality,” said Mr Tennyson.

”The current situation is not sustainable as a large number of children from these rural areas are being asked to wait an hour, or sometimes longer, for the scheduled Translink bus to arrive at the bus stop on the Garvaghy Road.

"One small bus shelter does not protect students from the elements and is beside a very busy road,” said Mr Tennyson.

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"I have encouraged the Education Authority to reinstate this historical rural school bus service to resolve these issues and have also raised the matter with the Education Minister."

The College was launched initially as a Key Stage 3 model but rapidly grew. It was re-designated as an 11-16 school in April 2021.

However, a spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: “At this time, there are no immediate plans to reintroduce a direct service from these areas to St John the Baptist College, however we continue to monitor the demand for such a service.

"Eligible pupils living in these areas have been awarded a travel pass to complete their journey to and from school using existing Translink bus services.

"We are aware of an issue raised regarding the time of the homeward Translink bus service to Loughgall and the EA is engaging with Translink to explore further suitable options for these pupils.”

Related topics:LoughgallCollege