A school transport provider in Co Limerick has withdrawn from the scheme operated by Bus Éireann because of "astronomical" fuel prices.
Paudie Kenneally of Kenneally Coach Hire took to social media to confirm that his buses will not be operating for the foreseeable future.
Mr Kenneally, whose family business in Newcastle West has been providing school transport for over 40 years, said the contract with Bus Éireann was no longer viable.
"Diesel has gone up 40 cent a litre and I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
"I can’t take money out of savings to pay diesel."
Mr Kenneally said he attended the blockade of the fuel depot at Foynes Port last week, to show his support for the protesters.
Local bus operators stepped in to provide hundreds of students in Co Limerick with transport to and from school this week, after Kenneally Coach Hire withdrew services.
Bus Éireann has confirmed that there has been no change to the level at which operators withdraw from School Transport Scheme contracts for their own commercial or operational reasons.
"Contract compliance remains very high, and we have not seen any noticeable change in this since March," the bus company said in a statement.
"Where an operator does withdraw, Bus Éireann works to ensure continuity of service for students and families, and that all affected routes continue to operate as normal."
Bus Éireann operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme provides transport for over 181,000 pupils daily to and from school and includes the provision of transport for over 24,000 children with additional needs.
