Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
163. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to bring in a tax rebate style system for those that cycle to work similar to the Netherlands based on a person's commute to work. [18404/20]
View answerI am very much committed to encouraging a greater uptake in the numbers walking and cycling. The new Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation amounting to some €1.8 billion over the lifetime of the Government.
As the Deputy is aware, tax policy is a matter for the Minister for Finance in the first instance. In that regard I very much welcome his recent announcement of increased thresholds under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the July Stimulus. The increases are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government in relation to the Scheme.
In relation to the specific suggestion of the Deputy, and noting the Minister for Finance’s responsibilities in the area, I do not have any such current plans. However, I am keen to learn from international best practice, particularly from countries such as the Netherlands with a strong cycling culture. I believe the issue can be considered more fully in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility policy which is currently ongoing. I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including active travel.
