Eoghan Murphy
Question:52. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the extension of the city bikes scheme to counties Cork, Galway and Limerick. [15064/14]
View answerPublic Bike Schemes
Questions (52)
Written answers
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to "look to extend the Dublin Bikes Scheme across the wider Dublin area and to other cities and integrate the scheme much more effectively with public transport links."
I am pleased to report that my Department along with the National Transport Authority has made significant progress on finalising proposals for the provision of public bikes schemes in Limerick, Cork and Galway. The NTA has recently undertaken a tender competition for the supply, installation, operation and maintenance of bike share schemes in those cities. Tenders sought from five shortlisted candidates were received by the NTA in February of this year. The assessment of the tenders is due to be concluded shortly. It is anticipated that construction of the bike schemes will commence shortly thereafter with the schemes becoming operational later this year.
Funding to meet the capital investment costs of public bikes in other cities has been identified within the 5-year capital allocation for Smarter Travel and Carbon Reduction Measures announced in 2012. The delivery of the Regional Cities Bike Scheme was also dependent on a separate process to explore the potential for a sponsorship contract to defray some of the costs associated with the introduction of the Scheme. I was delighted to be able to report last September that Coca Cola emerged as the successful sponsor for the Scheme.
The vision behind the Scheme is to develop an environmentally friendly means of public transport that is healthy, relatively inexpensive and will ensure an improved quality of life in each of the city's natural and built environment. Public bike schemes have the potential to enhance the city centres and provide a significant boost to the development of a cycling culture. They also add to the tourism offering in those cities. It has been over 4 years since the launch of Dublin Bikes. It has been a resounding success with over 5 million rentals since its launch and 35,000 long term subscribers. Dublin City Council has reported a 40% increase in numbers cycling in the city over the last four years. I look forward to hearing of similar results when the bike schemes are up and running in Limerick, Cork and Galway.
Vehicle Clamping
Questions (53)
Catherine Murphy
Question:53. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if in relation to the regulation of clamping in the State, if he has investigated the Scottish regulatory model which outlaws the practice of clamping on private property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15149/14]
View answerWritten answers
I refer the Deputy to the answer to Priority Dáil Question No. 3 of today's date.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 23.
Sports Funding
Questions (55)
Sandra McLellan
Question:55. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that proper and adequate funding is provided for our female athletes and sports persons. [15100/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the allocation of funding to female athletes and sports persons. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Irish Sports Council for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 7.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 10.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 23.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 40.