Sallins "Walking Bus" In Jeopardy Due To Volunteer Shortage

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 12:14

By Martin Osborne

Due to a shortage of volunteers, the service is set to end next Friday.

A so-called "Walking Bus" that benefits pupils at a school in Sallins is in doubt.

Normally, many cars would drive along Kerdiffstown Road and park outside St Laurence’s National School in Sallins, creating heavy traffic around the school entrance.

But thanks to special access granted every Friday through the school playground to the back entrance, a large number of cars are redirected away from the front.

This route allows around 160 children to arrive safely at school in a supervised group - what the community calls a “walking bus.”

Despite its success and zero cost to run, the walking bus is now in jeopardy.

Due to a shortage of volunteers, the service is set to end next Friday.

Local Gardai and many parents have been strong supporters of the initiative.

Organisers are urgently calling for new volunteers - whether parents, grandparents, or Sallins residents - to step forward and help keep the service running.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Gavin Brangan from the school's Parents' Association explained he benefits.

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