Grace Boland
Ceist:426. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the details of the remote area grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51213/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 30 September 2025
Ceisteanna (426)
Freagraí scríofa
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 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, and rules have regard to ethos and language.
An eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within the prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.
The grant, which is payable annually at the end of the school year, is generally based on the distance a family resides from their school of eligibility and based on the number of days attended. The rate of grant paid ranges from €1.30 per day to the maximum daily allowance payable of €5.10 per day per family.
Further information on Remote Area Grant can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/#remote-area-grant