Bus Eireann says a fifth of secondary school buses will be at 50 percent capacity at the start of the school year. 

It's reviewing all secondary school routes following the government decision to half the number of students allowed on vehicles.

Bus Eireann operates 2100 routes for secondary schools.

In light of the public health guidelines to half capacity on buses servicing secondary schools, the company has to come up with a range of solutions. They include assessing which routes will need more drivers and vehicles, and finding those drivers and buses through a competitive process.

It will look at schedule changes to routes, ensure that all vetting and safety standards are maintained and that drivers are trained in covid prevention protocols. 

As a result bus eireann says at the beginning, only 20 percent of secondary schools services will be at 50 percent capacity.