Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2024
86. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education if consideration will be given to an application for a new school bus route in County Roscommon (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23146/24]
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 have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where capacity exists.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated.
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.
For school bus operating purposes a “distinct locality” is a cluster of eligible children who reside in the same general area, in the same general direction from the education centre attended, as determined by Bus Éireann taking account of the local road network.
The pupils residing in the area referred to by the Deputy would be deemed concessionary pupils to the school in question as it is not their nearest school.
Bus Éireann will examine all applications and services for school transport for the 2024/2025 school year following the payment closing date of 07 June. Arising from the analysis, routes may be altered, extended, or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
