Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
76. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children that have not received a school bus place for the current school term in North Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [69373/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of the scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. It is made up of the Mainstream scheme at Primary and Post Primary level, as well as the scheme for pupils with Special Educational Needs.
The scheme has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 180,000 pupils in 2025, which equates to an increase of close to 50%.
it is not possible to provide the number of pupils that have not received a school bus place for the current school term, as there may be a number of reasons for this, including families not applying and paying on time, a remote area grant being offered or a pupil not being eligible for school transport. In addition, Bus Éireann continue to issue tickets to families as they become available on services.
However, I can advise that as of 23 September 2026, 6,541 pupils have been issued with a ticket for a mainstream service in County Kildare. This figure is subject to change as tickets continue to issue to families throughout the year.
