Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1058. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of school transport allocations in County Meath for September 2025; the number of pupils approved for school buses; the number of routes confirmed; the summary of outstanding applications or appeals; the steps being taken by her Department to ensure that all eligible students have safe and reliable transport arrangements in place before term begins; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41449/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits. Routes may also be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.

As the closing dates for applications and payments for the 2025/2026 school year have now passed Bus Éireann are in the process of finalising routes. The issuing of tickets has commenced and this will continue over July and August. Families who are unsuccessful in obtaining a seat will be notified via email and a refund will issue. As this work is ongoing, the information requested by the Deputy is currently not available.