Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers, Seán Canney TD, is urging families to take note of key dates and important eligibility criteria for the 2025/2026 School Transport Scheme.

Minister Canney emphasised the importance of acting early to secure a place on school transport for the upcoming academic year: “School transport is a vital service that supports access to education across Ireland. It’s essential that families are aware of the application process and key deadlines to avoid missing out,” he said.

Key Dates for Families:

• Application Deadline: Friday, 25th April 2025

The online portal is currently open for new applications for mainstream school transport. This includes students starting primary or post-primary school in 2025, students who haven’t used school transport before, or those who have changed home address or school. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered late and may not be accommodated.

• Payment or Medical Card Submission Deadline: Friday, 6th June 2025

Families must submit payment or valid medical card details by this date. Late payments or submissions may result in no ticket being available. The Bus Éireann family portal will close for three weeks from 7th June to facilitate planning for the new school year.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Primary School: Students must live 3.2 km or more from their nearest national school.

• Post-Primary School: Students must live 4.8 km or more from their nearest post-primary school or education centre.

• Distance is measured by the Department of Education/Bus Éireann, with school language and ethos also considered.

Eligible children who apply and pay on time will receive a seat if a service operates in their area and there is available capacity. Concessionary seats may be available to ineligible children, but these are limited and allocated through a selection process.

Temporary Alleviation Measures:

Children attending their second-nearest school may still be eligible for transport under certain conditions if a service exists and space allows.

Families seeking support can contact the Bus Éireann School Transport Call Centre at 0818 919 910, open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, or submit queries online at www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

Minister Canney concluded: “I strongly encourage all families to review their eligibility, apply early, and ensure payment details are submitted in time to secure transport for the new school year.”