Jackie Cahill
Ceist:325. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education when the Gortagarry, County Tipperary school bus route will go to tender again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34297/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 June 2021
Ceisteanna (325)
Freagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 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 €224.7m in 2020.
Bus Éireann plans and manages the countrywide network on behalf of the Department to ensure that services are provided in line with the specific requirements of the Department.
Bus Éireann carries out tender competitions on a regular basis for the award of contracts for the provision of school transport services under the School Transport Scheme in accordance with procurement legislation. Bus Éireann confirms there is a 33 seater service which serves Gurtagarry National School. This service is within an existing five year contract and this contract not due to go to tender for the coming school year.