3 March 2026
SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA has expressed disappointment at the Minister’s failure to outline a clear timeline for the introduction of school bus safety legislation.
McNulty raised the vitally important issue with the Infrastructure Minister during questions in the Assembly on Tuesday.
In the Assembly, Mr McNulty also acknowledged the recent one-year anniversary of the passing of Caitlin Rose McMullan who lost her life departing a bus on her way home from school, and expressed heartfelt sympathy to all who have experienced loss on our roads.
Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:
“Last June the SDLP Opposition brought school bus safety campaigners, including bereaved families and medical professionals who have treated children injured in these incidents, to Stormont to back calls for legislation. The Infrastructure Minister met them and committed to bringing forward new laws.
“Since then, four more children and an elderly man have been involved in similar accidents, two of whom tragically lost their lives. While the Minister highlighted elements of the Safer Journeys to School programme, it was deeply disappointing that she could not commit to introducing legislation before the end of this mandate.
“The evidence is clear, prohibiting vehicles from overtaking stationary school buses while children are boarding or disembarking will save lives. There have been far too many deaths on our roads recently and the Minister and Executive should be doing everything possible to keep people safe.”