The HSE South West says it has no discretionary funding to help special schools in Kerry purchase buses, and has no plans to create such a fund.
The issue arose in response to a question from Cork City councillor Peter Horgan at the recent (04/06/2026) South West Regional Health Forum (RHF) meeting in Tralee.
HSE South West's Julie O'Neill told councillors that Kerry's two special schools are staffed by and operate under the Department of Education.
Transport to both Nano Nagle Special School in Listowel and St. Francis Special School in Beaufort is funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
She said the HSE has no funding for transport for special schools and highlighted wider disability transport challenges.
Ms Julie O'Neill said the HSE also has no funding for other transport services, including travel to day services and rehabilitative training placements for school leavers and adults.
Health and social care services are provided to special schools through Children's Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) in each school's catchment area.
Ms O'Neill said transport for people attending day services remains a significant challenge for families and service providers.
She stated that many families have raised concerns during school leaver planning meetings.
While once-off funding has been provided for transport initiatives in the past, there is no ongoing national funding for day service transport, particularly those requiring escorts.
Ms O'Neill said service providers can no longer offer transport solutions for new school leavers because of the complexity and cost of managing vehicle fleets and escorts.
She added that the HSE is exploring arrangements with Local Link and other providers to improve access for families unable to provide transport because of work commitments, age or other circumstances.
