150 School Buses Confirmed Following £11.5m Investment

£11.5m is being in invested in providing 150 new school buses for pupils across Northern Ireland.

Education Minister John O'Dowd made the announcement during a visit to Nu-Track Ltd in Antrim, which is contracted to supply 86 of the vehicles.

Mr O’Dowd said: "The new buses, some of which are already in service, are fitted with additional safety features and enhancements. These include enhanced lighting and signage, which comply with recommendations on school bus safety which are due to come into effect in September this year. In addition, all seatbelts, which will be bright yellow in colour, are fully adjustable to safely accommodate pupils from primary one through to post 16 pupils."

Continuing, the Minister said: "The enhanced features on the new buses, including CCTV on each, will improve pupil safety whilst travelling to and from school. In addition to the positive health and safety implications, the investment gives local businesses a much needed boost in the current difficult economic times."

Nu-Track Operations Director John McLeister said: "This order for Education and Library Boards has helped secure existing jobs in our business which is great news for Nu-Track and the Northern Ireland economy. It is a huge endorsement for our business to have the Minister visit us today, affording us the opportunity to share with him our plans to develop safe, locally made small buses for the future."

(IT/MH)