1119. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Education and Youth the breakdown of the number of applications for school transport in County Wexford for the 2025-2026 academic year; the number of pupils who were issued a bus ticket under the scheme; the number of pupils who were refused a place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54886/26]

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: 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.

While the closing dates may vary from year to year, the principle of how applications are treated has remained the same over the past five years:

• Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time have been accommodated on school transport services where such services were in operation.

• Children who are not eligible but complete the application process on time have been considered for spare seats that are available once all eligible children are accommodated, otherwise known as concessionary seats.

• Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases, each year Bus Éireann allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

• Where pupils have been unsuccessful in receiving tickets on a concessionary basis over the last five years, the family would be notified by Bus Éireann and a refund would issue.

Bus Eireann has provided the following information in response to the Deputy's question:

• The total number of mainstream tickets issued for the 2025/26 school year in county Wexford was 8445.

• The number of on time paid concessionary pupils who did not receive a ticket for the 2025/26 school year in county Wexford was 107.