Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
195. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the investment in the school transport scheme bus fleet in each year from 2010 to 2020; the number of new buses added or replaced on the scheme in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38135/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. 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 have advised that the number of new buses added or replaced to directly service the School Transport Scheme in each year excluding services which are contracted by Bus Éireann amounts to 258 buses. It should be noted that Bus Éireann is directly responsible for just 14% of routes while 86% of routes are run by private contractors under contract to Bus Éireann for the provision of services.
These buses were transferred from Road Passenger services as replacement to School buses which were retired at the maximum age of 20 years. In addition, 20 buses were purchased since 2010.
The numbers transferred or purchased per year are as follows;
|
Year |
Transfers |
Purchased |
Total |
|
2010 |
30 |
30 |
|
|
2011 |
8 |
8 |
|
|
2012 |
54 |
54 |
|
|
2013 |
20 |
20 |
|
|
2014 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
2015 |
45 |
45 |
|
|
2016 |
29 |
20 |
49 |
|
2017 |
21 |
21 |
|
|
2018 |
9 |
9 |
|
|
2019 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2020 |
40 |
40 |
|
|
Total |
258 |
20 |
278 |
Bus Éireann has also advised that the current number of fleet directly deployed by Bus Éireann for services to the School Transport Scheme is 331.
