Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered introducing a grant or incentive towards the purchase of e-cargo bikes as has been done in Germany and France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39274/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The use of e-bikes, including e-cargo 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, including during the ongoing negotiations ahead of Budget 2022.

I very much welcomed the announcement by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, 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, including e-cargo bikes. The changes to the Scheme are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.

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. Potential incentives for encouraging the purchase or use of e-cargo bikes as a means of Active Travel will be examined as part of this work.