Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
472. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth in conjunction with the Minister for Transport, if she recognises that expanding school transport provision for a school (details supplied) would significantly reduce traffic volumes at the school gate; and whether this aligns with Safe Routes to School, Road Safety Strategy and Green Schools objectives promoting reduced car dependency at schools. [36670/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Scheme, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary 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.
The School Transport 2030 report, published in early 2024, recommends expanding eligibility criteria, addressing operational challenges, and improving integration with public transport to deliver better value for money to the Exchequer. The review also recommends advancing measures to support active travel, including collaboration with the Safe Routes to School Programme. It was acknowledged at publication that these eligibility changes would increase demand; therefore, a phased implementation approach was deemed appropriate.
As part of this rollout, 14 School Transport pilot schemes were introduced in the 2024/25 school year, with a further 11 approved for 2025/26. These pilots reduce the distance eligibility threshold to 2km for both primary and post-primary pupils and remove the requirement to attend the nearest school.
All pilots are subject to ongoing monitoring, with a further evaluation scheduled at the end of the current school year. The findings will inform planning for a potential national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme subject to the appropriate resources being available.
Separately, the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme, established in 2020 by the NTA in partnership with An Taisce/Green-Schools, aims to promote walking and cycling to school. The programme is open to all schools and was communicated nationwide by the Departments of Education and Transport in March 2021.
The Green-Schools programme now engages with over 90% of schools and includes a Travel theme, funded by the Department of Transport and supported by the NTA, which promotes sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling, scooting, public transport, and carpooling.
