1371. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Education and Youth the planned increases in school bus provision for September 2026 term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58498/26]

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

Since 2018, the number of students using school transport has increased by 54%, rising from almost 118,000 students in 2018 to 181,000 students in 2025.

The scheme is demand-led based on the number of eligible children who apply and pay on time. 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: https://buseireann.ie/schooltransport/

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 of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

The portal for School Transport applications for the 2026/27 school year closed on 08 May to allow Bus Éireann to plan and assign routes for the upcoming school year. The portal reopened on 03 July, but any applications or payments made after this date will be deemed as late and will not be assessed until all “on time” applications have been processed.

Since the portal closed, Bus Éireann have been assessing all applications and planning routes and services for the 2026/27 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of children who will be availing of school transport for that year.

Tickets have now begun to issue to families and will continue to issue throughout the summer. Where pupils are unsuccessful in receiving tickets, they will be notified as early as possible and refunds will issue from Bus Éireann.