Cork TD slams doubling of transport fee for primary school students next year

A Cork TD has described as “unjust” the decision to increase school transport fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The 2026/2027 academic year will see transport fees for both primary school and post primary children rising to €100 per child.

For account holders with three or more children in the post primary school transport scheme, a maximum family charge of €220 will apply, with a maximum family charge of €200 applying for primary school families.

That is in contrast to the school transport fees for the 2025/2026 school year which were €50 for a primary school child, €75 for a secondary school child and the maximum fee for a family of €125.

Independent Ireland leader and Cork South West TD Michael Collins said that increasing the school transport fees risks placing additional strain on people least able to afford it.

“This is another attack on the most vulnerable in our society. Families are already dealing with the rising cost of living, and now they are being asked to pay substantially more just to get their children to school. It is simply not acceptable.” 

“In rural Ireland, in particular, school transport is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Parents rely on it every day. Doubling these fees places an unfair burden on families who already have limited choices.” 

Mr Collins added: “Education is a basic right. No child should be left behind because their family cannot afford transport to school.

“We need a system that supports families, not one that adds to their hardship. This decision must be reversed, and meaningful supports must be put in place to protect those most affected.” 

Bus Éireann operates the school transport schemes on behalf of the department of education and youth.

The primary school transport scheme supports the transport to and from school of children who live at least 3.2km from, and are attending, their nearest primary school.

The post primary school transport scheme supports the transport to and from school of children who live at least 4.8km from, and are attending, their nearest post-primary education centre/school.

School transport is free for children with a valid medical card and for children with special educational needs.

The Echo has contacted the Department of Education and Youth for comment.