Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the progress made in developing urban bike schemes in other cities throughout the State in conjunction with city councils. [32099/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I am committed to exploring a range of mechanisms to seek to secure public bikes schemes in other cities in the state, building on the success of the Dublin Bikes scheme. While schemes in other cities are technically feasible, their commercial viability would require a collaborative approach with the private sector. Funding provision to meet the capital investment costs of the roll-out of public bikes in other cities has been identified within the 5-year capital funding allocation for Smarter Travel and Carbon Reduction Measures. However, operational funding is not available from within the constrained current funding allocation. My Department is currently exploring options to meet operating costs of schemes including a sponsorship deal which could prove to be very attractive for a private sector organisation. There is also potential for funding that could be unlocked by City Councils through the provision of additional advertising space within their cities. However, the potential and extent of funding from advertising will require further examination.

Optimal procurement approaches will be determined in the context of the best mechanisms to bridge the operational funding gap.