95. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she has given further consideration to allowing for school transport from the east side of Galway city to schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54055/26]

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

At post primary level, pupils are eligible for transport where they reside no less than 4.8km from and are attending their nearest post-primary centre.  Consideration is given to ethos and language.

Families are required to register their details on the Bus Éireann Family Portal to have their eligibility for transport assessed and to make applications under the scheme.

Where pupils are eligible for transport and complete the application process on time they will be accommodated on a service where one is available.

The closing date for applications for the 2026/27 school year was 08 May 2026.

Bus Éireann advises the following in relation to services from the east side of Galway city to the two schools referred to by the Deputy:

• Pupils in this area are generally not eligible for transport to the first school as they reside nearer to Galway post primary centre.  However, to provide a more accurate report for particular pupils, their eircodes would be needed.

• All mainstream pupils from this area who completed the application process on time for the second school will be provided with transport.  The bus is now full for late applicants.