Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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482. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to urgently address the school transport difficulty (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39232/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

Bus Éireann has advised that in the 2024/25 school year, the school transport service operated from Earl of Desmond Hotel into Flemby NS and Caherleaheen NS.

My Department has received an application from the patron for the closure of Flemby NS and this has been approved for closure with effect from 31 August 2025.

The pupils referred to by the Deputy would not be eligible for transport to Ballyfinane National School as it is not their closest school with capacity.

Pupils residing at The Earl of Desmond are 11.7 km from home to Ballyfinane NS and 6.4 km from home to Caherleaheen NS.

If families require assistance in relation to applying for school transport, they should contact their local REALT co-ordinator who will assist with their queries.