Darren O'Rourke
Question:126. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of purchasing one new school bus for the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36490/22]
View answerWednesday, 6 July 2022
Questions (126)
Written answers
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Bus Éireann have advised that in general, the estimated cost of purchasing a large diesel bus is between €250,000 and €300,000 and the estimated cost of purchasing an electrical vehicle is €450,000.
The above are indicative costs only and the actual cost would be dependent on capacity and vehicle design specification as well as other aspects which could also impact on final market price.