Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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25. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the basis on which funding will be made available to local authorities to fund mobility hubs for the different elements that can be provided; and when he expects that the first ten such hubs will be in place. [30111/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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It is my understanding that the Deputy is referring to a commitment in the Climate Action Plan 2023 to consider an eMobility hub model for the 5 cities. Such hubs would bring together different shared mobility modes such as bikes, ecargo bikes and electric vehicles with the aim of providing users with access to a broader range of convenient and affordable sustainable transport options. The National Transport Authority have commenced work on a project to consider a delivery model for mobility hubs in line with the commitment in CAP23.

As the Deputy will appreciate, shared transport is taking on increasing importance as a key strategy in the effort to reduce emissions from transport and is considered an effective mechanism for reducing car dependency and car ownership because such services can provide users with short-term access to a variety of modes of travel when needed.

Mobility Hubs as part of the wider transport network also have the capacity to promote sustainable journeys (including first/last mile connections to public transport) and to improve accessibility for those with limited transport choice and/or no access to a car. For this reason, the aim of the project is to locate a network of hubs conveniently close to where people live, work and play. It is intended that many hubs will be located adjacent to public transport nodes and will include AC charging and, where appropriate, options for faster DC.

As the project is at a very early stage in its development, the funding model and location of hubs have yet to be determined. However, my department and the NTA will be finalising the scope of this project over the remainder of this year, with a view to commencing roll-out in 2024.