An independent inquiry into the worst school bus crash in Irish history will not publish its report until next month after investigators requested more time.
The scene of the fatal crash last May on the Kentstown to Navan Road
Five teenage girls were killed and 46 children were injured when the bus overturned as it was taking youngsters home from school in Navan, Co Meath, last May.
The inquiry into the crash was due to report this week. However, Bus Éireann, said the inquiry chairman, former assistant Garda Commissioner Jim McHugh had asked for the date to be extended because the investigation was taking longer than envisaged.
"To ensure the fullest possible investigation, consent has been granted to this request. This decision was taken following Mr McHugh's recommendations to the Board of Bus Éireann," it said in a statement.
The report is now expected to be published at the end of September. Two separate investigations into the crash by the gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are ongoing.
The road outside Navan was being resurfaced, and temporary traffic lights were in place when the bus was involved in an accident with two other cars.
The absence of seatbelts on the schoolbus led to severe criticism of the Government. Minister for Education Mary Hanafin has now pledged that all school buses will be fitted with seatbelts by the end of next year.
Bus Éireann expressed its sincere regrets to the families of those killed and injured for the delay in publishing the report.