REVEALED: Calls made for local school bus scheme review amid rising demand
Review sought as Cashel-area families face limits under current transport rules
Changes are being sought to the school transport scheme in parts of south Tipperary, as growing numbers of students travel to Thurles for post-primary education.
Cllr Declan Burgess has raised concerns about the operation of the current system in the Rosegreen, New Inn, Boherlahan and Cashel areas, where more than 45 students are expected to attend schools in Thurles this September.
In a recent statement, Cllr Burgess said he had contacted the Minister for Education over what he described as shortcomings in the existing eligibility criteria, particularly the “nearest school” rule.
“I recently contacted the Minister for Education regarding the school transport situation affecting families in the Rosegreen, New Inn, Boherlahan and Cashel areas, where more than 45 students are due to attend schools in Thurles this September,” he said.
Under the current scheme, transport support is generally only available to students attending the nearest school deemed available to their home address. Post-primary pupils must also live at least 4.8 kilometres from that school to qualify.
Cllr Burgess argued that the criteria no longer reflect the realities facing many families when choosing a secondary school.
“Selecting a secondary school is not always simply about distance,” he said. “Parents must also consider factors such as their place of work, the subjects and opportunities available, and which school best suits the needs of their child and family.”
He said the level of demand for Thurles schools from surrounding areas points to a strong case for expanded transport provision.
The establishment of new services under the scheme also depends on demand thresholds set by Bus Éireann, including a requirement for at least 10 eligible students from a defined locality, alongside cost considerations.
The Minister for Education has confirmed that the School Transport Scheme is currently under review as part of the School Transport 2030 programme. Pilot projects are underway nationally to examine expanded eligibility and improved access to services.
While no changes have been announced for the Cashel area, the wider review is expected to consider proposals aimed at significantly increasing the scheme’s capacity, with the potential to accommodate an additional 100,000 students nationally by 2030.
Cllr Burgess welcomed the ongoing review and said he would continue pressing the issue with both the Department of Education and Bus Éireann.
“I will continue engaging with the Department of Education and Bus Éireann on this issue,” he said, adding that he would continue advocating for “practical school transport solutions” for affected families in the wider Cashel area.