Further to my previous response to the Deputy, I can confirm that School Transport Section has been liaising with Bus Éireann in relation to the school transport applications of pupils for whom Rathcoole ETNS is their closest school but for whom applications were submitted after the deadline date.
Bus Éireann has been requested to source a suitable service for these pupils and families will be contacted directly in this regard.
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport 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 as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
In cases where families have applied to attend their nearest schools with regard to ethos and language, and have been advised by the school authorities that these schools are full, the Department will consider if the pupil is eligible to the next nearest school.
While the closest school(s) may be full to capacity at present, each family must supply the documents mentioned below, to School Transport Section of the Department of Education and Youth.
• an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school(s), and
• a letter from each of the school authorities confirming that the school was full.
Contact details for school transport section can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/#school-transport-customer-contact-form
