Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
110. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the provision of mobility hubs nationally under the new Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022 – 2025, in particular details of the launch of pilot hubs in two cities and a major town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10955/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plans 2023 and 2024 (CAP23 and CAP24) and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) include several actions to expand the availability of shared mobility options in Ireland, including through the development of mobility hubs.
As the Deputy refers, it is intended to pilot a number of shared mobility hub networks within several locations. International evidence suggests that ease of accessibility, with options to travel between hub locations and to and from public transport interchanges, is key to reducing reliance on cars for many journeys, particularly for shorter distances. However, before these pilots are rolled out, it is important to get a better understanding of what is needed - from users and from industry.
To that end, my Department has recently launched a public consultation seeking the views of key stakeholders and members of the public on issues related to shared mobility, and particularly the development of shared mobility hubs. An Issues Paper has been published as part of this consultation. It outlines the rationale for the development of shared mobility and mobility hubs in the context of Ireland’s emissions reduction targets, as well as setting out some of the key issues to be explored and addressed within an Irish context. These include considerations around governance, operations, data, communications, accessibility, safety and inclusion.
This consultation, which will inform the future development of an operating model for mobility hubs, including the design of the pilots, will run until 3 May. For this reason, I would urge all interested parties to participate in this very important process.
