Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

17. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are grants or reliefs available to potential purchasers of electric bikes similar to that offered to purchasers of electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20906/21]

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

As the Deputy may be aware, tax policy is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in the first instance. I very much welcomed the announcement of increased thresholds under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the 2020 July Stimulus package, as well as the expansion of the scheme to electric bikes. The changes to the Scheme are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.

The use of e-bikes is proving to be an increasingly popular method of travel, whether for commuting or leisure purposes, and is encouraging more people to choose to cycle. Bearing this in mind, and referencing the commitment by the Government to increase funding to active travel, all potential incentives to potential purchasers of bikes and e-bikes will be taken into consideration moving forward.

The Deputy may also be aware that my Department is in the process of preparing a new Sustainable Mobility Policy following public consultation last year. This 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 I look forward to the completion of this important work in 2021.