Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
381. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the provision of a school transport bus route (details supplied).; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51636/26]
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.
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.
Bus Eireann has advised that there are two bus services to the school mentioned by the Deputy with a capacity of 110 seats.
For 2026/27 school year 82 pupils will be allocated with tickets on these two services. In addition, 30 pupils will not be successful in obtaining a ticket as there is no service in their area and only 2 of the pupils are eligible for school transport.
