Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
205. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education whether a remote area grant is payable to the parent(s) of a student where the school bus pick up point is more than 4.8km from their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18638/24]
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 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
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.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time are 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 the 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.
Parents of a child wishing to avail of school transport services, for the first time, are required to complete an online application form for school transport at www.buseireann.ie . The closing date for applications for the 2024/25 school year is Friday, 26 April 2024.
After the closing date, Bus Éireann will contact all applicants regarding their eligibility for school transport.
Where there is a transport service available for eligible children, Bus Éireann will continue to liaise with eligible families regarding invoicing, payments, and ticketing.
Where there is no transport service available for eligible children, the Department will then contact families directly regarding the Remote Area Grant.
It is important to note that an application for school transport must be made before a Remote Area Grant may be considered.
Further information on the Remote Area Grant and contact details of officials in School Transport Section are available on the Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/service/07a71-school-transport/#remote-area-grant
