Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
498. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if he is aware of the school bus transport issue of a school (details supplied) in Dundalk and the apparent disadvantage for Irish-language schools of her Department’s strictly-applied rules on the minimum number required for school bus provision; if his Department plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5864/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the 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.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
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 or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Bus Éireann has advised that all eligible children who applied on time and paid on time for school transport for the 2025/26 school year to the school referred to by the Deputy were accommodated on services. Officials in my Department have met with the school principal and will continue to engage in the coming weeks.
