Schools plan to return back to normal attendance at the end of the summer holidays after the Covid-19 pandemic and an issue over access on the Strangford Ferry has arisen.
A South Down MLA is calling on further clarity over Strangford ferry access for pupils travelling between Portaferry and Strangford both ways to school.
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has called on the Ministers for Education and Infrastructure to provide clarity to children who travel to school on the Strangford Ferry.
The South Down MLA said: “Last year over 170 ferry passes were issued to children who use the Strangford Ferry every day to get to local schools.
“Currently, the guidelines only allow for 33-foot passengers and no buses to travel the ferry.
“We are just over a month from the proposed date for schools returning and so far, children and families have no clarity.
“I have written to the Education and Infrastructure Ministers seeking clarity on what preparations are in place to get these children to school safely.
“Children and families must not be left in the dark.”
Many pupils in the Upper Ards Portaferry area travel to schools in Downpatrick and beyond, and pupils also travel to St Columba’s High School in Portaferry.
