Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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118. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on supporting e-bike rental schemes in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35055/22]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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119. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the way that e-bike rental schemes can complement existing station-based bikes schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35056/22]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will detail his Department’s engagement to date with local authorities regarding the roll-out of e-bike rental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35058/22]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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121. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on shared e-bike rental schemes and their potential to significantly encourage modal shift in regional cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35059/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 to 121, inclusive, together.

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 in light of the commitment by the Government to increase funding to active travel, potential incentives to encourage the purchase of bikes and e-bikes will be explored as part of the budgetary process.

The Deputy will be interested to know that last year the NOW TV dublinbikes scheme was enhanced with the upgrade of 50% of the fleet of 1,600 to hybrid electric bikes, which commenced on March 30th when the first batch of e-dublinbikes were launched. The NOW TV dublinbikes scheme is funded through my department.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The management of the public bike schemes is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which works closely with the relevant local authorities.

Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to bike rental schemes and the use of existing station based bike schemes.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days