Written answers
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Department of Education and Skills
School Transport
Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills as to when she might indicate criteria and-or routes for additional pilot school bus schemes for the 2025-2026 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26400/25]
Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
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. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year.
As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. As also indicated at the time of the launch of the review, 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 underway this school year. These pilots are currently being evaluated and 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 rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme. A list of the pilot projects is attached by area.
Further information on plans for the 2025/2026 school year will be available shortly.
| Area | Aspect of Pilot being implemented |
|---|---|
| Shannon to Limerick | Post-primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school/integration with public transport |
| Roscommon to Athlone | Primary and post-primary - existing routes/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Glenville, Cork | Post-primary -existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Ballinhassig, Cork | Post-primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Kilcreddan, Cork, | Primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Swords to GC Ghlor na Mara, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin | Post-primary -new route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Gowran, Kilkenny | Post-primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Mountbellew, Galway | Post-primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Athenry, Galway | Post-Primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Clane/Prosperous area, Kildare | Post-primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Blackwater, Wexford (to Wexford PPC) | Post-primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Gorey, Wexford | Post-primary - new route/reduced distance/removal of nearest schooll |
| Clontibret, Monaghan | Post-primary - existing route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
| Caragh NS, Kildare | Primary - new route/reduced distance/removal of nearest school |
No comments