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School Transport Scheme

A low-cost school bus place. The charge for 2026/27 is €100 a year per child, capped at €220 a family. Medical card holders pay nothing.

Last checked June 2026

What it is

Subsidised transport to school for eligible children.

Who can get it

Primary children living at least 3.2 km from their nearest school
Post-primary children living at least 4.8 km from their nearest school
Eligible children who apply and pay on time get a seat where a service runs
Other children may get a spare seat if there is room

Good to know

The charge for 2026/27 is €100 a child, with a family cap of €220. Medical card holders are exempt.
The application and payment deadline for 2026/27 was 8 May 2026. Late applications are not guaranteed a seat.
You apply through the Bus Eireann family portal.

How to apply

Applications go through Dept. Education. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.

Go to the official page →

Checked against the official source on 14 June 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.

Questions people ask

How much does school transport cost in 2026/27?

€100 a year per child, capped at €220 a family. Medical card holders pay nothing.

How far do I need to live from school to qualify?

At least 3.2km for primary children, or 4.8km for post-primary children, from their nearest school.

What was the deadline?

The application and payment deadline for 2026/27 was 8 May 2026. Late applications are not guaranteed a seat, though a spare seat may be available if there is room.

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