Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister hit the nail on head. We need to work with existing companies but many of them are telling us that the capital costs of providing e-bikes across the whole city are significant and the State should be involved. They are, however, happy to be involved in the operation and delivery of the service. That would give the State control and provide stability in the city as people would know the bikes were owned by the State but operated by the different companies. The existing companies are open to dealing with the NTA and I have written extensively to the NTA on the matter. It says the capital expenditure is there but it needs a small budget allocation for the operation of such a scheme. I know we have done it in other cities and I think we could do it in Dublin.

See this speech in context