Written answers
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Smarter Transport
Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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492. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next smarter travel scheme round of grants will be made available; and if there is a possibility of including an expanded dublinbikes scheme into the Drumcondra and Glasnevin areas under the auspices of this funding. [8495/16]
Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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493. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the initial intended sequence of dublinbikes scheme expansions, as there have been clear changes in the demographics and transport needs of the city since this was first drafted; and his views that there would be a clear tourism and transport rationale to expanding it to the Glasnevin area. [8496/16]
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 493 together.
My Department has provided funding to a number of local authorities under the three Smarter Travel Programmes currently underway. The National Cycle Network and Active Travel Towns programmes will be completed at end 2016 with the Smarter Travel Demonstration areas programme finishing in 2017. At present I cannot say how future smarter travel funding will be directed only that efforts will continue to be made by my Department to support initiatives which increase walking, cycling and public transport as sustainable modes of transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the body responsible for the administration and expansion of the Dublin public bikes scheme in cooperation with the relevant local authority. Given the success of the scheme to date I am confident that the range of the service will be expanded over time as funding becomes available. The timing and sequencing of expansion will be a decision for the NTA in conjunction with the local authorities.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in relation to the administration of the Dublin public bikes scheme, I have forwarded your query to the NTA for attention and direct response to you. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days please contact my office.
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