Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
520. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total number of pupils, by category, primary, secondary, special school and so on, that were issued tickets under the school bus scheme for the 2025-2026 academic year; and the way in which that compares to each of the previous four years. [45876/26]
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.
It is a demand-led scheme based on the number of eligible children who apply.
The scheme has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils in 2026, which equates to an increase of close to 50%.
For the 2025/26 school year all eligible pupils who applied and paid on time were facilitated on a service where one exists. A total of 1,137 pupils at post primary level and 385 pupils at primary level did not receive tickets. These numbers include on time applications where there was no capacity on an existing service.
In line with the guidelines of the scheme, those who apply/pay late are processed once all on time applications have been dealt with. Seats are allocated to late applicants where capacity exists.
The online portal for the 2026/27 school year closed on 08 May 2026 and will remain closed until early July 2026. Bus Éireann are currently assessing all applications and planning for routes and services for the next school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for that year.
Please see attached table outlining the information required.
The source data is taken from Period 6 from the 2022/23 school year to the 2025/26 school year and from Period 5 in the 2021/22 school year.
The Number of tickets issued in each school year and each category
[https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/caighdeanOifigiul/2026/2026-06-17_pq-520-16-06-2026_en.xlsx]
