Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2026
286. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that up to 70 children in the Ballinasloe area are currently without school transport following the withdrawal of private operators from the system; the action her Department will take to ensure all affected children have access to school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71542/26]
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 scheme, 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.
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 of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
The scheme is a demand led scheme based on the number of eligible children who apply. It is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate on the scheme. Private operators who are not contracted under the scheme are outside the remit of the Department.
Bus Éireann has advised that there are no operational issues with services operating as part of the school transport scheme in the area referred to by the Deputy. 348 mainstream and 105 SEN pupils have been allocated on school transport services into schools in the area in question for the 2026/27 school year.
