Translink Investigates Alleged Discrimination Against Irish Language School Students on ulsterbus Service
Table of Contents
Primary Keyword: Translink Investigation
Secondary Keywords: Irish language schools Northern Ireland,Coláiste Feirste,Ulsterbus,discrimination public transport,aisling Reilly,Crumlin,Co Antrim,public transport Northern Ireland
Translink,Northern Ireland’s public transport operator,is investigating claims that a bus driver refused to allow three students of Coláiste Feirste,an Irish-medium school in Belfast,to board an Ulsterbus service.The alleged incident occurred on the 106 service traveling from Crumlin,County Antrim,to Belfast on November 17,2025. The claim centers around accusations that the driver denied boarding based on the students’ attendance at an Irish language school.
Allegations of Discrimination
According to reports, the driver reportedly questioned the students about thier school and then refused them passage, stating a dedicated school service existed. sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Aisling Reilly, has raised concerns about the incident, stating that Coláiste Feirste does not have a dedicated bus service from Crumlin. https://www.sinnfein.ie/ (Sinn Féin official website – used for context of MLA affiliation)
“These pupils use this bus daily to commute to school, so it’s concerning that they were refused entry with the explanation being given false,” Reilly stated. “Coláiste Feirste does not have its own service from Crumlin with many pupils relying on the 106 service. As an inevitable result,the three young people were left standing at the side of the road on a dark,cold morning with no transport.”
Translink’s Response
Translink has confirmed it is investigating the reports. In a statement released on November 17, 2025, the company said: “We are investigating reports of an incident involving the 106 service this morning. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of customer care and provide thousands of journeys transporting pupils safely to and from school every day.” https://www.translink.co.uk/ (Translink official website)
Background on Coláiste Feirste
Coláiste Feirste, founded in 1991, has grown to become the largest Irish-medium post-primary school on the island of Ireland, currently serving over 1,000 students. https://colaistefeirste.com/ (Coláiste Feirste official website) The school plays a significant role in promoting and preserving the Irish language and culture in Northern Ireland.
Context: Irish-Medium Education in Northern Ireland
Irish-medium education has seen increasing popularity in Northern Ireland in recent decades, driven by a desire to revitalize the language and provide culturally relevant education. However, the sector has sometimes faced challenges, including issues related to funding and access to resources. The alleged incident on the Ulsterbus service raises broader questions about inclusivity and equal access to public services for students attending Irish-medium schools.
Ongoing Investigation
Translink has not provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation. Further updates will be provided as they become available. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring that all students, nonetheless of their school affiliation, have equal access to public transportation.