Minister says 'informed decision' must be made on school transport policy after many children without place on bus

Minister of State at the Department of Education Michael Moynihan has acknowledged growing concerns over the school transport policy, stating that an “informed decision” must be made regarding potential changes. The issue has emerged as hundreds of children across Ireland face difficulties securing a place on the school bus, primarily due to the strict rule requiring attendance at the nearest school. In Co Galway, at least 30 children and their families are reportedly affected, with some facing long commutes or having to rely on private transportation. The situation has sparked calls for the government to reassess the policy, which has remained largely unchanged despite rising demand. The school transport scheme, managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education, allows children to receive free travel assistance if they live at least 3.2 kilometers from their nearest national school or 4.8 kilometers from their nearest post-primary school. However, eligibility is contingent upon attending the nearest educational institution, with exceptions allowed for religious or language-based preferences. This rule has created challenges for families whose preferred schools are full, forcing them to seek alternative options that may not meet the eligibility criteria for transport support. One such case involves Caroline O’Laochdha from Clarinbridge, Co Galway. Her son, Rian, is set to begin his first year at Presentation College in Athenry, but he will not be transported by school bus. According to O’Laochdha, the family was informed in July that Rian was ineligible for a seat on the bus traveling to Athenry because they reside closer to Calasanctius College in Oranmore. Despite applying to the schools in Clarinbridge, feeder schools for Athenry, the family was unable to secure a spot due to oversubscription and the feeder-school admissions policy. As a result, the family must now arrange for private transportation for Rian, while managing the logistical demands of caring for two younger children and an elderly parent with dementia. Similar issues have arisen in other areas, including Navan, Co Meath, where Aontú councillor Emer Tóibín reported that over 80 parents have reached out regarding school transport problems. These concerns highlight a broader challenge affecting multiple regions, suggesting that the current policy may not adequately address the needs of all families. The situation has added stress to households already dealing with financial and caregiving responsibilities, with some parents expressing anxiety over how they will manage daily routines. In response to these concerns, Bus Éireann confirmed that over 130,000 tickets have already been issued for the 2026/27 school year, with additional allocations planned for the coming weeks. The company noted that a selection process will be used if demand exceeds available capacity. Meanwhile, the Department of Education reiterated that it oversees the operation of the scheme, emphasizing that any changes will require careful consideration based on ongoing evaluations. Moynihan highlighted that the government has implemented 26 pilot schemes across the country aimed at reviewing the transport policy. These pilots, which began in recent years, are due to provide insights that will inform future decisions. He stressed that the department is committed to ensuring the scheme remains accessible and beneficial to families, acknowledging the importance of school transport in supporting education and reducing barriers for students and their caregivers. As the new academic year approaches, the debate over the policy intensifies, with parents urging policymakers to consider expanding access and revising the nearest-school rule. With over 181,000 children utilizing the scheme in 2025, a 50% increase since 2019, it is clear that the demand for school transport is growing rapidly. While the government has indicated a willingness to review the policy, the final decision will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing pilot programs and the feedback received from affected communities.