After much lobbying, an additional bus service has finally been confirmed for a new-build Lurgan secondary school where serious safety concerns had been raised due to a lack of provision.
Since before the commencement of the new school term at St Ronan’s College, Lurgan there have been fears that children would be left with unnecessarily long journeys and connective services as a result of inadequate transportation.
The issues arose with the school having relocated to a new-build premises on St Michael’s site on the Cornakinnegar Road which welcomed pupils in September after four years of construction.
A meeting was hosted in May 2025 by MP Sorcha Eastwood’s office, Lagan Valley MLAs Michelle Guy and David Honeyford along with the Education Authority, Translink, school representatives and parents to agree suitable alternatives.
However, by August, MLA Michelle Guy provided an update to say there has been “no meaningful update or communication from the Education Authority” since.
Calling the situation “unsuitable and unsustainable”, the MLA has now written to the EA’s Chief Executive, Andrew Wilson seeking an “urgent update” and to call on the EA to “re-engage with all stakeholders and provide the necessary resources to support a safe, efficient and direct school transport service”.
In a welcome turn of events, Sinn Féin Councillor Mary O’Dowd announced the welcome confirmation that an additional afternoon bus service has been secured for pupils from St Ronan’s College travelling on the Taghnevan route.
Cllr O’Dowd said: “I’m very pleased to confirm that following continued engagement with Translink and St Ronan’s College, an overflow bus will now operate on the Taghnevan route from Monday 3rd November 2025, once the school returns from the mid-term break.
“Parents had been in contact with me about overcrowding on the existing service, and I have been working hard to ensure this issue was resolved. This additional bus will help ease pressure on the route and make the journey home safer and more comfortable for students.”
The new service will depart St Ronan’s College at 4pm, stopping at Market Street (4.07pm), Edward Street (4.10pm) and Taghnevan (4.12pm).
Cllr O’Dowd added: “This is a positive outcome for pupils and parents in the Taghnevan area. I want to thank Translink and the school for working with me to get this in place.
“Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for local families and ensure our young people have safe and reliable transport to and from school.”
