Pa Daly
Ceist:139. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to report on the bike schemes operating throughout the country; if he plans to expand those schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5282/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 13 February 2025
Ceisteanna (139)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure, including the provision of funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in support of public bike-sharing schemes in Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford. However, matters related to the day-to-day operations, management and expansion of these public bike schemes are primarily a matter for the relevant local authorities, in conjunction with the NTA.
In addition to the above, many local authorities independently enter into contracts or licence agreements directly with companies to provide shared mobility services, and it is my understanding that, outside of the cities, these companies are operating bike-sharing schemes in a range of counties including Carlow, Kilkenny, Meath, Wexford, Offaly, Westmeath and Sligo. While such schemes are not centrally funded, my Department published an advice note last year with the aim of supporting a best practice approach to the delivery of shared micro mobility services and to assist local authorities in their engagement with private operators on issues such as, but not limited to, safety, data-sharing, infrastructure, parking, operations, charging and monitoring. The advice note is available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ffba4-advice-note-for-local-authorities-shared-micromobility-services/.
Given the NTA's role in overseeing the public bike schemes in the regional cities, I have referred your request for a report to the Authority . If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders