24 August 2026

SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA has warned that new laws to protect schoolchildren getting on and off buses cannot be allowed to run out of time before the end of the Assembly mandate.

Mr McNulty's comments follow confirmation from Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins that she intends to bring forward legislation on the overtaking of stationary buses this autumn, subject to Executive agreement.

The SDLP Opposition has repeatedly pressed for such a change, raising the issue in the Assembly and working alongside families campaigning for stronger protections.

Justin McNulty MLA said:

"It is welcome that the Minister has finally committed to legislation, but we should have reached this point much sooner. The SDLP Opposition has consistently pressed for stronger school bus safety laws, and the focus now must be on getting this legislation through the Assembly.

"There are families behind this campaign who know the terrible consequences when something goes wrong. They have put themselves through the pain of telling their stories and campaigning for change because they do not want another family to experience the same loss. Their voices have driven this issue forward and Stormont has a duty to respond.

"There is now a real risk that the clock beats the Minister. With the mandate drawing to a close, she needs to show that there is a credible path to getting this legislation passed rather than leaving it among a pile of unfinished business when the Assembly rises next spring.

"We will work constructively to get these protections into law, while holding the Minister to account for the timetable she has set. This is a change that can make children safer, and it needs to be delivered."