Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department's work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5845/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department supports the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport in February and which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.

To encourage use of public transport, my Department operates a Travel Pass Scheme open to all members of staff, which facilitates the processing and issuing of annual passes by relevant public transport operators and direct salary deduction to cover costs. This year, 58 staff members are availing of the scheme.

Secure bicycle storage and shower facilities are also provided at the Dublin offices to facilitate staff cycling and walking to work. My Department will also be implementing the Budget 2009 announcement on the provision of bicycles and equipment via employers to employees who agree to use the bicycles to cycle to work.

Also, in 2008, my Department implemented a scheme whereby a number of bicycles have been provided, with the appropriate safety equipment, for official use on business travel within Dublin city. I am very pleased to report that the uptake on the use of these bicycles has been encouraging and is reducing dependency on taxis, particularly for city centre travel.

My Department also provides a number of car parking spaces in both Cavan and Dublin to facilitate those staff who drive to work. Those spaces located in Dublin will be subject to taxation provisions announced in Budget 2009.