Minister of State for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon has insisted proposed changes and cutbacks in the primary school transport system will be implemented from September.
The measures are aimed at saving €3.5m per year, but they are being bitterly opposed in rural communities across the country.
Many families with primary school students who had a free bus service up to now will be charged a minimum of €50 per child from September, rising to a maximum of €650 per family.
In addition, the Department of Education is cutting around 150 routes where fewer than ten pupils live more than 3km from the school.
More than 300 parents and teachers from across Munster attacked the measures at a public meeting in Listowel last night.
But Minister Cannon said the cutbacks will be implemented unless the money can be found elsewhere within his department.
