Niamh Smyth
Question:423. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review an application for school transport for a student (details supplied). [68271/26]
View answerTuesday, 29 September 2026
Questions (423)
Written answers
The 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.
Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.
Bus Eireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy are eligible for school transport as they are attending their nearest primary school.
However, Bus Éireann further advise that the family applied and paid late and were not successful in obtaining a ticket for the 2026/27 school year. The service is operating to capacity, and the pupil cannot be accommodated at this time.