Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the approval of changes to extend the upper age limit for certain school transport drivers – a measure he strongly pushed for to help maintain vital services for families across the country.

Under the approved changes, the maximum age for drivers of small public service vehicles (up to 8 passengers) operating under the School Transport Scheme will increase from 70 to 72 on a two-year trial basis, beginning in September 2026.

The move follows a detailed review process involving Bus Éireann, the Department of Education and Youth, and the Department of Transport, alongside independent safety analysis.

Welcoming the decision, Minister Canney said: “This is a practical, sensible step that will help ensure continuity of school transport services, particularly in rural areas where driver availability has become a real challenge.

“I pushed strongly for this change because we need to be realistic about the pressures on the system. Experienced drivers are the backbone of school transport in many communities, and it makes sense to retain that experience where it is safe to do so.”

Drivers aged between 70 and 72 will be required to undergo medical fitness certification every six months – strengthening existing requirements and ensuring continued high standards.

The extension will apply to smaller vehicles and will be closely monitored over the two-year trial period. A full review will be carried out before any decision is made on longer-term changes.

“This is about keeping services running for families who rely on them every day,” Minister Canney said.

“We are taking a measured approach – trialling the change, monitoring it carefully, and making decisions based on evidence.”