Tipperary families ‘pushed to the limit’ as school transport costs rise
Tipperary families are being pushed to their limits with the rising costs for school transport.
That’s according to Labour Party councillor Michael ‘Chicken’ Brennan, who said that the rising costs of school transport are having a major impact on parents across the county, many of whom say they’re not getting value for money.
The Department of Education has said that from the next academic year, prices for a primary school child will double from €50 to €100, while fees for secondary school students will rise from €75 to €100.
The increase will also see a rise in the cap for families, from €125 to €200.
"For many households, this isn’t a small adjustment – it’s an added financial pressure at a time when the cost of living is already stretching people to the limit,” he said.
The increase in fees risks becoming a barrier to education, rather than improving access for all, Cllr Brennan said.
"The school transport system is supposed to support access to education, not create additional barriers.
"When fees rise without meaningful investment in capacity, routes, or communication, it sends the wrong message to families who rely on the service every single day,” he said.
The Department of Education has defended the decision to increase costs, saying that the scheme is still affordable for families.
The department said that a primary school ticket would cost the equivalent of 55 cent per school day, and a post‑primary ticket would cost approximately 60 cent per school day.
Transport operators have been under increased pressure since the war in the Middle East drove diesel prices above €2 per litre, despite government tax cuts.
The Government has also announced a scheme to target relief to bus and haulage operators by increasing the repayment allowable under the Diesel Rebate Scheme, from 7.5 cent up to 12 cent per litre of diesel.
However, Cllr Brennan said that the increases have left families worried about how they will afford to pay for the increased fees.
"I’ve heard from parents who are worried about affording the increase, from rural families who have no alternative transport options, and from those who feel the system is becoming less fair and less predictable. Their anger is justified. These decisions have real consequences for real people,” he said.
"I will continue to raise these concerns and push for a school transport system that is affordable, reliable, and properly resourced. Families deserve clarity, fairness, and respect — not last‑minute pressures and rising costs,” the Labour councillor added.