The 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.
The pupils in the areas referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they are not attending their nearest post primary centre. Pupils who are not eligible can only be accommodated where spare capacity allows, once eligible students have been facilitated in the first instance. As all eligible pupils have been accommodated on the route, additional capacity is not warranted.
As you may be aware, there is further information available on the department's website, which details the eligibility criteria, scheme parameters, appeals process and contact information: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/
Hopefully, this provides additional clarity on the matter raised.
