School Transport
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-23
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Michael Moynihan (FF), Cork North-West

The school transport 2030 report was published in early 2024 following a comprehensive analysis and review of the scheme as it currently operates. The recommended changes to the future operation of the scheme include expansion of the eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure we have better value for money for the Exchequer.
As part of the review, it was also recommended that the Department and Bus Éireann continue to explore and implement improved technology. The Department is currently progressing a number of technological improvements to the scheme, including the planned introduction of e-ticketing. Not only will e-tickets replace the current printed paper tickets but they should also provide accurate information on ticket utilisation, which is currently not readily available. Better data will inform future route planning and maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.
A technology working group has been established between the Department and Bus Éireann. Work is progressing on several projects, including e-ticketing, and the Department continues to engage with both the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority on these matters. A phased implementation of the review's recommendations began at the start of the 2024-25 school year alongside the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann.
A total of 14 pilot projects took place and a further 11 pilot projects were approved for this school year. All pilots are being monitored, and will be evaluated in the future to better inform us. The e-ticketing pilot project is a hugely important piece of data collection for us and will make the best possible information available to us when we are planning the future direction of school transport. This morning a number of Deputies were looking for additional services in their communities. It is also important that we have the data on the utilisation of the current system, which will make sure we are putting the State resources to the best possible use.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-23/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-23