Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
474. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review the rules governing concessionary school transport, in particular the prohibition on increasing capacity where additional demand exists; and if changes are being considered. [45458/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra475. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if Bus Éireann is permitted to reallocate existing transport resources, including vehicles from underutilised routes, where such changes would not result in additional cost to the State. [45459/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra476. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the option for parental contributions towards extended or enhanced school transport services was removed; and if there are plans to reintroduce such flexibility. [45460/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 474, 475 and 476 together.
The School Transport Scheme is managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. It is a significant operation transporting over 181,000 pupils to and from school daily on over 11,200 routes throughout Ireland, including the provision of services for over 24,000 pupils with additional needs.
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 and subject to available resources.
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: https://buseireann.ie/schooltransport/.
The closing date for applications and payments or entering medical card details was Friday 08 May 2026. Applications or payments/medical card details received after this date will be considered late.
The portal will reopen on 1st July, but any applications, payments or medical card details entered after that point will be deemed as late, and families will not be guaranteed a seat on a school transport service.
This will give Bus Éireann time to 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.
Bus Éireann endeavours wherever possible to ensure all vehicles are full to capacity. Services in all locations are considered when planning mainstream services for the upcoming school year.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the School Transport Scheme and subject to the following conditions:
• an application is made by the deadline date
• there is an existing service in place
• there is spare capacity on the service;
• routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis;
• no additional State cost will be incurred;
Demand for school transport has grown significantly, with the number of students using the scheme rising from over 120,000 in 2019 to 181,000 in 2025. More than 24,400 children and young people with special educational needs now use SEN transport services, an 82% increase since 2018, reflecting the Government’s commitment to supporting safe and reliable school transport for all eligible students.
A recent review of the School Transport Scheme found that having a fee helps make better use of resources and prevents seats on school buses from going unused, helping to protect and sustain the scheme for all families who need it.
The School Transport Scheme will remain heavily subsidised by the State, with over 92% of the overall cost covered. For the 2026/27 school year, a primary school ticket will cost the equivalent of 55 cent per school day, and a post-primary ticket will cost approximately 60 cent per school day. No family will pay more than €1.32 per day, regardless of how many children use the service.
It is important to note that transport will continue to be provided free of charge for eligible medical card holders and all eligible children and young people with special educational needs using transport services.
As part of its operation of the scheme Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning, timetabling of school transport routes and issuing of tickets. The earlier closure of the portal for the 2026/27 school year will give Bus Éireann additional time to plan routes.
