Parents across Ireland have been warned to expect disruption to school bus services when schools reopen following the Easter holidays, with fuel protests cited as a contributing factor to potential transport difficulties.
The warning was issued ahead of the Monday return to school, with families advised to make alternative arrangements where possible in case their usual bus services are affected. The disruption is described as "likely" rather than certain, but officials urged caution and preparation.
Fuel protests in Ireland have caused intermittent supply issues at filling stations, affecting a range of transport operators including those contracted to run school bus routes. Bus Éireann, which operates the majority of school transport services across the country, has been monitoring the situation closely.
The Department of Education and school transport providers have encouraged parents to check for updates from their local schools and transport operators in the lead-up to the return date. Families in rural areas, who are more dependent on school bus services, are considered most at risk of disruption.
Officials have not confirmed the full scale of expected cancellations, but have acknowledged that the situation remains fluid and dependent on how quickly fuel supply issues are resolved in the coming days.
