Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
421. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth the means by which requests for safety reviews of bus stops used for school buses are processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51208/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes on behalf of my Department. Safety of children travelling on the school transport services is of paramount importance to the Department and to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 3.2 kilometres to travel to a pick-up point. Children are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route.
Parents or guardians are expected to make suitable arrangements to bring their children to and from the school bus, taking whatever safety precautions they may deem necessary to do so.
Any specific queries should be raised with Bus Éireann who have a dedicated call centre in place at LoCall 0818 919 910. Operating hours are usually 09.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday. Families can also submit queries by selecting the “School Transport” option on the contact form
Queries can also be directed to my department’s school transport section through their customer case form at this link cs.education.gov.ie/ who will liaise with Bus Éireann in this regard.
