Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. The school transport 2030 report, which was published in early 2024, marks the largest review of the school transport scheme since it was established in 1967. We are committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendations of expanding access to the scheme in order that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030 and to continue to improve the scheme in order that it provides a valuable service for those families who rely on it while providing value for money to the Exchequer. The recommended changes to the future operation of the scheme include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations, which is how we have to progress it, began at the start of the current school year.

As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were to be trialled in 2024-2025, as the Deputy mentioned, in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. As also indicated at that time, it was intended that, following closure of the application process for the 2024-2025 school year, consideration would be given to further potential pilots. A total of 14 pilot projects are under way this school year. These pilots are being evaluated and, once we get the information, they will provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport. The findings from the evaluation will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national roll-out of a revised school transport scheme. Planning is under way already for the 2025-2026 school year and further information will be available shortly.

The pilots are still under way and we still need to get the feedback from them, but it is extremely important we look at as many ways as possible in which we can provide school transport. If a bus route is already available and has space to accommodate young schoolchildren, then that is what we need to look at. We must also look at expanding the criteria and what other types of routes we might be able to provide. This is what the Department is looking at now. Obviously, we must have the resources to roll this out in the year ahead.

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