{"id":393848,"date":"2026-04-11T22:04:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T22:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/393848\/"},"modified":"2026-04-11T22:04:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T22:04:12","slug":"schools-set-to-reopen-monday-but-disruption-likely-for-bus-services-amid-fuel-protests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/393848\/","title":{"rendered":"Schools set to reopen Monday but disruption &#8216;likely&#8217; for bus services amid fuel protests"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Parents across Ireland have been warned that school bus disruption is likely when schools reopen after the Easter holidays on Monday due to ongoing fuel protests and shortages.<\/p>\n<p>13:52, 11 Apr 2026Updated 15:40, 11 Apr 2026<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Concerns are growing about how students will get to school on Monday (file photo)\" loading=\"eager\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1_A-school-crossing-guard-preparing-to-stop-traffic.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Concerns are growing about how students will get to school on Monday (file photo)\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Concerns are growing about how students will get to school on Monday (file photo)(Image: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Parents across Ireland have been warned that disruption to <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/schools\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">school bus services<\/a> is &#8220;likely&#8221; when schools reopen on Monday. It comes as fuel protests continue to impact <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/travel\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">travel <\/a>nationwide.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The warning comes after days of nationwide disruption, with protesters blocking key routes, shutting down motorways and restricting access to fuel depots. As of this morning, about 600 of the 1,500 <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/petrol-prices\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">filling stations <\/a>around Ireland have run dry &#8211; raising concerns about further knock on effects when pupils return to classrooms following the Easter break.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The protests began earlier this week while schools were closed, but with demonstrators vowing to continue their action, concerns are growing about how students will get to school on Monday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG), which met on Friday evening, said the situation is causing &#8220;major disruption for the public&#8221; and poses a threat to supply chains, essential services and public transport.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Bus Eireann has confirmed that school transport services are scheduled to resume as normal on Monday, however it warned that ongoing road blockages and <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/fuel-poverty\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">fuel supply<\/a> issues could lead to delays and disruption in some areas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">In a statement, the NECG said: &#8220;Bus Eireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth, has confirmed that school transport services are due to resume on Monday, 13 April, after the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/easter\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Easter holiday period<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;<a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/bus-eireann\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Bus Eireann<\/a> is liaising with contractors through local school transport offices to ensure that any disruption to school transport services is limited and localised.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Parents are advised that if blockades continue to impact on road access in some parts of the country and challenges continue with fuel distribution, there are likely to be delays and potential service disruption experienced to some services.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Bus Eireann will endeavour to advise families of any disruption to services as soon as such information is made available. The public are advised to plan their journey before travelling and allow extra travel time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Despite the disruption, there are currently no plans to extend school closures beyond the Easter holidays. The Irish Mirror has contacted <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/department-of-education\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">The Department of Education<\/a> for further guidance.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"People with their luggage walk past the heavy traffic on Dublin's M50 Northbound, due to vehicles taking part on the third day of a National Fuel Protest against rising fuel prices. \" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_fuel-protest-m50.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"People with their luggage walk past the heavy traffic on Dublin's M50 Northbound, due to vehicles taking part on the third day of a National Fuel Protest against rising fuel prices. \" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">People with their luggage walk past the heavy traffic on Dublin&#8217;s M50 Northbound, due to vehicles taking part on the third day of a National Fuel Protest against rising fuel prices. (Image: Brian Lawless\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/labour-party\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Labour MEP Aodhan O Riordain<\/a> said it would be &#8220;unconscionable&#8221; if education was affected by the ongoing protests<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Writing on Facebook, he said: &#8220;Protests have to end now. Schools are back on Monday and it&#8217;s unconscionable that children would have their <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/education\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">education <\/a>affected by an ongoing blockading action.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;There comes a point in every dispute where the conversation turns from the topic to the tactics. The protests are on the verge of making life very difficult for the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/gardai\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">gardai<\/a>. Protests must end. Govt must act to support families and workers.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Talks between Government departments and representative bodies reopened at lunchtime today, with a view to finalising what <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/simon-harris\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Tanaiste Simon Harris<\/a> said would be &#8220;substantial and significant&#8221; measures for affected industries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, which is not organising the protests, said he was &#8220;hopeful&#8221; that there would be a resolution by this evening<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Speaking before a meeting at the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/transport-department\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Department of Transport<\/a>, Ger Hyland said: &#8220;Certainly nobody is going to get everything what we want \u2013 we put a raft of proposals to <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishmirror.ie\/all-about\/irish-government\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Government <\/a>last Wednesday. That&#8217;s what we&#8217;re coming in to negotiate on today. We&#8217;re coming in with an open mind, there&#8217;s no red lines.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? <a aria-label=\"Making us your preferred source on GoogleLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=irishmirror.ie\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Making us your preferred source on Google<\/a> means you\u2019ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply <a aria-label=\"click hereLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=irishmirror.ie\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Parents across Ireland have been warned that school bus disruption is likely when schools reopen after the Easter&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":393849,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[27801,72,6466,109388,835,119063,7782,61,60,25097,6189,150947,836,70,174396,2521],"class_list":{"0":"post-393848","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-bus-eireann","9":"tag-business","10":"tag-department-of-education","11":"tag-easter","12":"tag-education","13":"tag-fuel-poverty","14":"tag-gardai","15":"tag-ie","16":"tag-ireland","17":"tag-irish-government","18":"tag-labour-party","19":"tag-petrol-prices","20":"tag-schools","21":"tag-simon-harris","22":"tag-transportation-department","23":"tag-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/393848","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=393848"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/393848\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/393849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=393848"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=393848"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=393848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}