Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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426. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest figures for persons cycling to work; the amount the bike to work scheme costs to run; and if he has carried out a cost-benefit analysis of the scheme. [20112/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The number of people cycling to work has steadily increased in recent years. The most recent Census figures compiled by the Central Statistics Office show 56,837 people cycling to work, school or college nationally in 2016 increasing from 39,803 in 2011, which represents an increase of 43%. 

The Canal Cordon Count collected by Dublin City Council provides data on the number of cyclists who pass the canal cordon in Dublin between 7.00am and 10.00am;  it shows that the numbers cycling increased from 10,893 in 2015 to 12,089 in 2016 an increase of 11%.  Looking at the cordon count data over a 10-year period, shows growth from 4,839 people cycling in 2006 to 12,089 in 2016 - an increase of 150% over that period.  The 2017 data is expected to be released shortly and I would be confident  that the 2017 data will continue to report an upward trend in cycling numbers.   

The "Bike to Work" scheme to which the Deputy refers is a very attractive incentive which encourages more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling whilst playing an increasing role in relieving traffic congestion.  As the Deputy may be aware, this scheme is a tax incentive arrangement, and therefore is administered by the Revenue Commissioners and governed by tax legislation and tax policy which are matters for my colleague the Minister for Finance.