Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
1196. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will outline the steps that can be taken to provide school transport for children in the Ballybay area travelling to a school; if she will address the change of bus operator on this route and the impact this has had on ticket availability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60706/26]
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.
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.
Children who are not eligible, but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; previously known as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for non-eligible children. In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to is not eligible for transport under the terms of the Scheme as they are not attending their nearest schools. The pupil was not successful in obtaining a ticket as the service is operating to capacity.
Bus Éireann also advise that there is no option to pay daily on-board school transport services. Tickets are released for each pupil for the entirety of the 26/27 school year.
Bus Éireann further advise that children who reside in the area referred to by the Deputy are not eligible to the school referred to by the Deputy as it is not their nearest Post Primary School/Centre.
