Department of Education has confirmed that a contribution at a total cost of €5.3 million will be provided to address the impact of the increased cost of fuel for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2022 for contractors operating on the department’s school transport scheme.
School transport, which is managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education, transports more than 121,000 children to primary and secondary schools on a daily basis throughout the country.
About 5,800 vehicles are operated by private contractors under contract to Bus Éireann for the provision of school transport scheme services at an annual cost of almost 290 million.
The Minister for Education Norma Foley said, “I am aware that a number of contractors have highlighted concerns about the ability to sustain school transport services given the recent increases in the cost of fuel. I welcome this payment of €5.3 million which will go some way to address the impact of the increased cost of fuel for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2022.”
The contribution is being described as a “temporary measure” and will continue to be kept under review, as long as fuel prices remain high.