Parents across Dublin and Wicklow have been left scrambling for alternatives after Bus Éireann confirmed that a number of school bus routes due to start next week will not operate.
The cancellations come just days before the new school term begins, with many families only receiving last-minute emails to say that no transport arrangements are in place for their child’s route under the School Transport Scheme.
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on Bus Éireann and the Department of Education to immediately clarify how many students are affected and which routes will not run.
“This is completely unacceptable,” Deputy Whitmore said.
“These are children who were eligible to apply for the School Transport Scheme and who had already been issued with tickets.
“Parents are only finding out now that no bus will be available next week.”
Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of the Department of Education, said the disruption is due to a shortage of drivers and contractors.
In some cases, the company confirmed that no bids were received to provide services despite repeated attempts to secure operators.
Deputy Whitmore said the annual problem is causing unnecessary stress for families.
“Every year we see the same issue, and it is disgraceful that families are being left high and dry again.
Parents are now scrambling to organise lifts or make other arrangements at the very last minute.”
She also argued that the long-term solution is the creation of a nationwide school bus programme to guarantee access to transport for every student who needs it.
“Such a programme would reduce costs for families and also support climate action by cutting down on car journeys,” she said.
For now, however, she is demanding immediate answers.
“We need clarity from Bus Éireann and the Department of Education on which routes are affected, how many students are impacted, and when this will be resolved.”
The School Transport Scheme provides bus services for thousands of primary and post-primary pupils across Ireland.
However, the late cancellations mean many children who had been allocated tickets may now be without transport when schools reopen next week.