Darren O'Rourke
Question:981. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of purchasing one new school bus for use on the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40052/21]
View answerTuesday, 27 July 2021
Questions (981)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/21 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann vehicles and private contractor vehicles operated under contract to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann is obliged to tender all works, goods and services to be provided by external suppliers in line with national and EU procurement legislation and this includes services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann has advised he cost of buying a new school bus is dependent on the size and specifications of the vehicle but that the estimated cost of buying a large bus is in the region of €250,000.