James O'Connor
Ceist:17. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if additional transport to school routes will be considered for Cork east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29171/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 23 April 2026
Ceisteanna (17)
Freagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils in 2025, which equates to an increase of close to 50%. The cost of the school transport scheme is circa €3 million per school day.
The importance of the School Transport Scheme cannot be underestimated. It has been a vital part of rural Ireland since its inception in the late 1960s. The availability of transport to school can be a critical component for children to access education and is a real lifeline for families.
It is recognised that the School Transport Scheme is vital to families and its benefits extend to support parents and guardians who are accessing employment. It continues to support pupils living in rural and remote areas, children and young people with additional needs, as well as national sustainability and climate goals.
The scheme is demand-led based on the number of eligible children who apply and pay on time. Families are required to register their details on the Bus Éireann Family Portal to have their eligibility for transport assessed and to make applications under the scheme.
The Portal for the next school year is now open for mainstream applications and payments. The closing date for payments or entering medical card details is Friday the 8th of May 2026. Applications or payments/medical card details received after this date will be considered late.
After the closing date, the portal will close. It is only then that Bus Éireann will be in a position to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the next school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of children who will be availing of school transport for that year.
Questions Nos. 18 and 19 answered orally.