Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said his party will lobby to prevent further hikes in school transports costs

Deputy Sherlock said his office has been inundated with calls from families concerned that they will not be able to afford a further increase in school transport fees.

"While there has been no movement in prices this year people are genuinely concerned that it is only a matter of time before there are further increases. Any additional hikes to school transport fees would be a major blow for hard pressed parents many of whom are already struggling to provide the basics like school uniforms and books. With so many parents out of work people can ill afford any extra costs".

School transport fees tripled between 2007 and 2010 to €300 and the number of children carried on school buses has dropped by 10,000 in that period. Deputy Sherlock said this is due in no small part to the increased charges.

"People are opting to get back in their cars and drive their kids to school as the cost can be spread over the year by doing this. The last thing we need is increased traffic congestion on our roads and near our schools," said the Labour TD

"The Green Party takes great pride in promoting a greener, cleaner environment through public transport, bicycle use and now electric powered cars. However, these initiatives aren't practical for dwellers in rural Ireland who rely on the state bus services to get them from A to B," he added.