The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
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 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
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.
Families were 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: [https://buseireann.ie/schooltransport/]. The Portal temporarily closed for applications and payments on Friday 08 May 2026.
Bus Éireann will now assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2026/27 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process is completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.
Where a child is not eligible for school transport, but the application and payment process is completed on time, they will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These seats are called 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.
Bus Éireann will assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2026/27 school year following the closing date for payments. Once routes have been finalised, Bus Éireann will assign tickets for each vehicle. Families who are unsuccessful in obtaining a seat will be notified via email and a refund will issue.
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(s) 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.
These can be sent to School Transport Section. Contact details for the section can be found at:
[www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/#school-transport-customer-contact-form]
