Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
538. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently address a matter (details supplied) and allow for school transport in the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37667/26]
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 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 of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that they have received 17 school transport applications from pupils residing in the Dooks/ Stookisland/ Ups Cromane area for the 26/27 school year attending Scoil Realt na Mara, Cromane (12820H). All pupils are deemed mainstream concessionary.
There is currently no service available that operates from the above areas.
The closing date for applications and payments for the 2026/27 school year was 08 May 2026 and the Bus Éireann Family Portal is now temporarily closed.
Bus Éireann are currently assessing all on time applications and payments received and planning 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 has been 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 has been completed on time, they will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These seats are called concessionary seats.
There may be more demand than availability for concessionary seats. In such cases, Bus Éireann will use a selection process to allocate tickets for the spare seats.
Tickets will begin issuing in July and continue to issue throughout the summer. Where pupils are unsuccessful in receiving tickets, refunds will issue from Bus Éireann.
