Written answer
School Transport
Officials are seeking details of the schools involved before assessing reported capacity problems and possible additional services for Bohernabreena students.
476. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of reports that a number of students residing in Bohernabreena, Dublin 24, have been unable to secure a place on school bus services due to capacity constraints; the number of applications received, approved and refused for the area for the current school year; and if additional services are being considered [64216/26]
Comment on this
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Children are eligible for school transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre, as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
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.
Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.
Children who are eligible for school transport but for whom no service is available may be offered the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. The Remote Area Grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.
Where a child is not eligible for school transport, but the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated, previously known as concessionary seats.
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.
Officials in School Transport Section of my department have contacted the Deputy's office requesting further information in relation to the schools concerned. Once this information is received, a response will issue to the Deputy's office directly.