Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
575. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the minimum number of eligible students required to establish a new bus service in a primary school that is not currently served by school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17669/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
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 or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are eligible for school transport but for whom no service is available may be offered a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. The Remote Area Grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.
Families who wish to avail of school transport and have their eligibility status assessed should apply on-line before the closing date. Further details are available at: www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
The closing date for new school transport applications for the 2023/2024 school year is Friday 28 April 2023.
