Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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186. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for details of the technology platform that has been identified for use in the roll-out of shared mobility hubs. [2719/25]

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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187. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if pilot areas have been identified to establish new mobility hubs; the basis or rationale for selecting the areas and area types; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2720/25]

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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192. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on plans to establish mobility hubs in each local authority area. [2726/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 186, 187 and 192 together.

In line with the new Programme for Government, I am keen to make progress on shared mobility, and to deliver key actions in this area under the Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) as well as the two most recent Climate Action Plans (CAPs). Work to support those actions, which includes the development of shared mobility hubs, is already underway and it is my intention to publish a new policy statement to support the development of these hubs in the coming months, which will demonstrate the direction and ambition of Government in this area.

To translate this policy into practice, my Department is working with the National Transport Authority to progress the groundwork for an extensive pilot project on mobility hubs in 2025. Subject to approval of the project under the Climate Action Fund, it is intended that the pilot will facilitate the development of a network of hubs in several different locations across the country, and will examine this 'network effect' on demand and usage within the divergent urban centres identified. It will also examine the most suitable and sustainable operating models for these networks, relative to location, ensuring that services can be delivered in a safe, reliable, and affordable way and are viable over the long-term.

Through a spatial mapping exercise, work has commenced on identifying the pilot areas against key criteria and it is anticipated that this work will conclude in the coming months. The criteria falls within three broad themes - environment, social and demand. The number and location of hubs within the pilot areas will also be determined as part of this process.

The development of a suitable technology platform for users will also be an important part of the pilot project. This will provide information on the location of hubs and allow users to access available shared mobility modes for any given journey.

It is intended that work on both strands – the development of the policy and the pilot project – will inform the pathway for expanding shared mobility services and hubs in Ireland, in line with Government commitments. In my new tenure as Minister for Transport, I look forward to making good progress on this policy area in 2025.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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188. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected timeline for the planned development of a new sustainable mobility action plan, as proposed in the Programme for Government. [2721/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The current Action Plan under the Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) covers the period 2022-2025. The SMP, which was launched in April 2022, established a framework for supporting and promoting greater levels of walking, cycling and public transport use across Ireland up to 2030.

As the current Action Plan expires at the end of 2025, it is intended to prepare a successor plan for the remaining period of the policy this year - to take effect from 2026. My Department has already commenced work to develop this new Plan, and will be engaging extensively with stakeholders in the coming months, particularly as part of this year's annual National Sustainable Mobility Forum. It is also intended that the new Action Plan will reflect capital investment commitments for sustainable transport infrastructure to be agreed upon as part of the upcoming review of the National Development Plan as outlined in the Programme for Government.

The development of the new Action Plan will progress through 2025 and will be finalised for consideration by Government following the conclusion of the NDP review process, and Budget 2026.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will recognise the importance of shared mobility hubs in the context of the Programme for Government commitment to consider new public transport projects in the review of the National Development Plan. [2722/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is committed to supporting the expansion of shared mobility options through the advancement of commitments in the Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP), and both the 2023 and 2024 Climate Action Plans (CAPs).

Currently, the Department is supporting the development of a pilot Mobility Hubs initiative, to be funded – subject to approval - through the Climate Action Fund. This project will deliver an initial network of mobility hubs in several locations and will be led by the National Transport Authority (NTA). It is intended that the pilot will test a variety of measures that will ultimately inform the development of an operating model for mobility hubs.

To this end, the project proposes developing a network of between 150-250 mobility hubs (in total) across three types of areas: a major urban area, a large urban area and a regional urban area. The pilot project aims to create a comprehensive network of hubs of sufficient density to ensure integration and alignment with existing public transport and to deliver the modal transition and behavioural change that is required to meet climate targets, including a reduction in total vehicle kilometres of 20%. It is planned that the Mobility Hubs Pilot Project will go to tender in the first half of 2025, with the first hubs to be rolled out before the end of 2025, subject to the approval of support – circa €40 million - from the Climate Action Fund.

In addition to this project, which is already underway, the Government has committed to review and enhance the National Development Plan (NDP) funding envelope to deliver on existing, strategically important transport infrastructure commitments, and meet the funding needs of new or accelerated potential projects and programmes. Any decisions on specific projects to be taken forward will depend on the outcome of this review process, which will commence shortly.