Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

425. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grants and schemes available to those wishing to replace their petrol and diesel cars for e-bikes and cargo bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20290/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Currently there are no schemes or grants available to support the transition from internal combustion engine cars to e-bikes or cargo bikes. As the Deputy will be aware, tax policy including the Cycle to Work scheme is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in the first instance. I very much welcomed the announcement of increased purchase price thresholds assisting the purchase of more expensive bikes under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the 2020 July Stimulus package. The increases are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.

To address the Deputy's question regarding grants and schemes and noting the Minister for Finance’s responsibilities in the tax area, I believe the issue can be considered more fully in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility Policy which is currently ongoing. I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including active travel, and look forward to the completion of this important work in 2021.