Written answer
School Transport
The pupil is ineligible as they attend their fourth-nearest Gaelcholáiste and was denied a 2026/27 seat because the service is full.
588. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Education and Youth to ensure a child (details supplied) has a school transport place for the forthcoming school year. [65180/26]
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 for school transport but complete the application and pay or enter their medical card details on time will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated, previously known as concessionary seats.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to is not eligible for transport as they are attending their 4th nearest Gaelcholáiste.
An application and payment were received on time for this pupil for the 2026/27 school year however this pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat for the 2026/27 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity.