Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
477. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children who live in Duleek, County Meath and avail of the school transport scheme to attend post-primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5615/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the mainstream school transport scheme, children are eligible for transport 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.
Families are required to register their details on the Bus Éireann Family Portal to have their eligibility for transport assessed and to make applications under the scheme.
Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process is completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where there is capacity and where a service is available.
Where a child is not eligible for school transport, but the application and payment process is completed for them on time, they will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These seats are called concessionary seats.
It is not possible to provide the details required in the manner requested, however, over 4,300 children and young people travel to and from post primary schools in County Meath.
