Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1238. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if it is possible to extend the school transport bus service referred to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1837/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application and payment process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application and payment process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Due to the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Bus Éireann have advised that the family referred to are not eligible to the post primary school referred to as it is the third nearest post primary school to their home. Bus Éireann further advise that there is a service operating to this school that the pupil could avail of if successful in obtaining a concessionary ticket. The nearest pick up point is 7km from the family's home.
I wish to advise that routes will remain as currently operated, they will not be altered and no additional vehicles, larger vehicles, or extra trips using existing vehicles will be provided for children travelling on a concessionary basis, as this would be outside the scope of the scheme.
