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

Work is already under way to develop pilots for the development of shared mobility hub networks, to complement hubs already in operation such as bike-sharing schemes.

A mobility hub can be defined as a prominent location that brings together different shared mobility modes such as bikes, cargo bikes, and electric vehicles and enhances them with additional amenities, services, and information. My Department is currently working with the NTA to progress pilots that will test the network effect of shared mobility hubs in line with commitments in both the Sustainable Mobility Policy and CAP23.

Subject to funding approval, it is intended that the pilots will inform the development of an operating model for mobility hubs, which will support the potential roll-out of hubs nationally.

To link implementation with policy, the Department recently launched a public consultation on the development of shared mobility hubs, alongside an extensive Issues Paper which reflected several examples of international practice in this area. The closing date for submissions was Friday 3 May, and the submissions received will help to inform and shape a new National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility Hubs for completion later in 2024.

As well as the aforementioned public consultation, targeted stakeholder engagement will be undertaken over the coming months to further explore a range of measures that could be deployed to expand the development and use of shared fleets.