Written answer
School Transport
The Minister said Bus Éireann could not add capacity on full routes, but issued the family a 2026/27 school transport ticket.
529. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review correspondence (details supplied); the steps that can be taken to increase capacity on school bus routes A26 and 1703 serving the Banaho and Crosskeys area; if she will consider replacing the existing 24-seater bus on route 1703 with a larger vehicle to accommodate all students; and if the area will be considered for inclusion in the pilot scheme reviewing the concessionary and nearest school transport model. [64745/26]
Comment on this
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for 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.
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 not eligible, but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; previously known as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for non-eligible pupils. In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Unfortunately, for pupils who are unsuccessful in obtaining tickets for the 26/27 School Year and where services are operating at capacity, no additional capacity can be added to routes.
Bus Éireann have advised that this family are not eligible for school transport to Cavan town post primary school/education centre, however a ticket has issued to the family on 31/08/2026 for the 2026/27 school year.