Resolution sought for school transport issues for Offaly families

FINE Gael TD for Offaly, Deputy John Clendennen, has called for every effort to be made to address school transport difficulties affecting families in Shinrone and surrounding areas ahead of the September 2027 school year.

Deputy Clendennen raised the matter directly with Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth, Michael Moynihan TD, during oral parliamentary questions in the Dáil on Thursday last, highlighting the difficulties experienced by families in the area in securing school transport to Birr for the current 2026/2027 school year.

The Deputy emphasised the particular geographical circumstances of the area, where Birr is the natural school destination for many families, despite schools in neighbouring counties potentially being considered closer under the school transport eligibility criteria.

“Families in Shinrone, Killavilla, Mountheaton and the surrounding areas have experienced considerable difficulties in securing school transport to Birr this year, and I wanted to take the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with the Minister,” Deputy Clendennen said.

“While I fully recognise the scale and complexity of the national school transport scheme, we must also acknowledge the particular circumstances of rural communities and the established educational and community connections that exist.

“For many families in this part of Offaly, Birr is their natural school destination. However, the application of distance-based eligibility criteria can create difficulties where a school across a county or provincial boundary is deemed closer.”

Responding to Deputy Clendennen, Minister Moynihan acknowledged that school transport difficulties are not confined to Offaly, confirming that a number of areas throughout the country have experienced significant challenges.

The Minister described these as “flashpoints” where difficulties securing school transport tickets have proven particularly challenging to resolve.

Deputy Clendennen welcomed the Minister’s acknowledgement of the difficulties being experienced nationally and emphasised the importance of identifying practical solutions for affected communities.

“This demonstrates that the challenges experienced by families in Shinrone and surrounding areas are not isolated, and that there is a need to continue examining how the scheme can better respond to the needs of communities, particularly in rural areas.

“The Government has committed substantial resources to school transport, with the Minister confirming that expenditure for the 2026/2027 school year will exceed €670 million. That investment is very welcome, but we must also ensure that the service operates as effectively as possible for families on the ground.

“My priority now is to ensure that the difficulties experienced by families in Shinrone and surrounding areas this September are not repeated next year.

“I have specifically asked Minister Moynihan that every possible measure be explored over the coming months to accommodate these families' school transport needs to Birr from September 2027.”

During the exchange, Minister Moynihan also confirmed that discussions are underway across Government to examine how school transport services could be better integrated with the wider public transport network, including Local Link services.

The Minister acknowledged the limitations of public transport provision in rural Ireland and outlined ongoing engagement between the Departments responsible for Education, Transport and Rural and Community Development to explore opportunities for greater integration.

Deputy Clendennen welcomed this approach, noting that he has previously raised the consideration of educational transport needs alongside Local Link planning through the parliamentary questions process.

“I believe there is considerable merit in examining how we can make better use of the transport services already operating in rural communities, including Local Link, to complement existing school transport provision where appropriate.

“We have different transport services operating across rural Ireland, and there may be opportunities for greater co-ordination that could improve access for families while making the best possible use of public resources.

“The Minister’s confirmation that engagement is taking place across Government on this issue is welcome, and I believe it is an area that warrants further consideration.”

Deputy Clendennen concluded by reiterating the need for a practical solution for families in the Shinrone area.

“The immediate priority is to ensure that the concerns and school transport requirements of families in Shinrone, Killavilla, Mountheaton and surrounding areas are addressed ahead of September 2027.

“I will continue to engage with the Minister and the relevant authorities to explore every available option to improve school transport provision for these communities.”