Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
167. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education if she can outline the level of school transport services servicing a school (details supplied) in view of the fact that parts of this extended Gaeltacht area, such as the Baile Ghib area, appear to be excluded from the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6264/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m.
There is currently no mainstream service available from the Gibbstown (Bhaile Ghib) area to the school outlined by the Deputy.
Bus Éireann has advised that there are currently three mainstream school transport routes operating to this school.
Bus Éireann has also advised that no school transport applications have been received to date from families in the Baile Ghib area.
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.
Families who wish to avail of school transport and have their eligibility status assessed should apply before the closing date to Bus Éireann on their website at www.buseireann.ie
The closing date for school transport applications for the 2022/23 School Year was Friday, 29th April 2022
Families could still apply for school transport following this date, but if applications were late, a place on a service could not be guaranteed as many local services may be already operating to capacity.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time are now all accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Generally pupils residing in the Gibbstown (Baile Ghib) area are eligible for transport to this school. Bus Éireann have confirmed that they are currently liaising directly with the Principal in relation to this matter.
