1517. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the breakdown of the demand in school transport service for the bus route (details supplied); the number of children who applied; the number allocated a bus place; and if her Department has considering adding extra capacity. [63740/26]

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

In relation to the route referred to by the Deputy, Bus Éireann have advised the following:

The route is serviced by a 53-seat vehicle for the 2026/27 school year. 37 eligible pupils and 16 pupils who were not eligible have received tickets for the route. 19 pupils who were not eligible but paid on time were unsuccessful in receiving tickets.

As all eligible applicants have been accommodated on this route, under the School Transport Scheme it is not possible to provide additional capacity for non-eligible applicants.