Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2026
81. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications received for the school transport scheme for the 2026-2027 school year for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40370/26]
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 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.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
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.
The closing date for applications for the 2026/27 school year was Friday 08 May 2026.
Bus Éireann has advised that there are currently 40 new on time mainstream applications received to the school referred to by the Deputy, for the 2026/27 school year. All pupils have been deemed to be mainstream concessionary as they are not eligible under current scheme criteria. They have not received any mainstream eligible applications to date to this school. There is no mainstream school transport service operating to this school at present and as there are less than 10 eligible children in the area, it currently does not warrant the establishment of a new service under the terms of the scheme.
