Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
500. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the school bus arrangements for students attending school in Kilkenny City from Inistioge and Thomastown, County Kilkenny; and if a direct service will be provided for a school (details supplied) as seems to be the arrangement for other schools. [26161/16]
View answerSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
During the 2015/16 school year in the region of 114,000 children, including some 10,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in approximately 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country, covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest 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.
Families who wish to avail of school transport and have their eligibility status assessed should, in the first instance, apply for school transport at buseireann.ie.
