Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
502. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the provision of the B9200 school bus, operating from Roundwood to Wicklow town, in light of the previous contractors withdrawal at the end of 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1760/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. The school transport fleet is made up of both contractors and Bus Éireann vehicles.
Bus Éireann has advised that their bus supervisor was informed by the contractor in December 2025 that they were no longer able to operate route B9200 from Roundwood to Wicklow Town. Upon this notification Bus Eireann were able to source a replacement operator.
This service ceased on the 17.12.2025 and recommenced on the 5.01.2025. There was no disruption to the pupils on this service as this was during the Christmas holidays. Families were not contacted as Bus Éireann did not anticipate any disruption to service.
I am pleased to confirm that B9200 has operated as normal since schools' returned in 2026 and is being continually monitored.
