Michael Ring
Question:184. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if the transport service to a primary school (details supplied) will be extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47519/22]
View answerWednesday, 28 September 2022
Questions (184)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for transport and has been issued a ticket.
Bus Éireann have reviewed the request submitted and have advised that it is not possible to operate around the loop as mentioned in the correspondence due to time constraints as this vehicle operates a post primary route before this primary service.
However Bus Éireann's local office will make contact with the family directly with regard to other possible pick up options.