Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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312. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport about mobility hubs; to provide a detailed outline of the plan for roll-out mobility hubs; the estimated timeline for the delivery of same; if the target is still to roll out 200 mobility hubs (details supplied); if not, if this ambition has been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25837/25]

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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313. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of mobility hubs, by local authority; the planned increase, by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25838/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that significant progress has been made in relation to expanding the delivery of mobility hubs. These hubs, depending on location and related demand, will consist of one or more of the following shared modes: shared bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cargo bikes and Electric Vehicles (EVs). They will be provided through the National Transport Authority's Shared Micromobility Schemes, and also through a planned Mobility Hubs pilot that will deliver and test the operation of mobility hub networks in diverse urban locations across Ireland.

In respect of the former, the NTA published its intention (in February 2025) to establish a Qualification System that will enable the procurement - by way of call off competitions - of services by mobility providers to supply and operate Shared Micromobility Schemes. This tender process will allow for a significant expansion of the existing Transport for Ireland (TfI) public bikes schemes from the end of this year - in Cork, Waterford, Galway and Limerick. It is envisaged that this will increase both the geographical coverage of these shared schemes as well as the variety of shared micromobility options on offer – which may include a mix of bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters or e-cargo bikes at various hubs and points - depending on the city.

In terms of the Mobility Hubs pilot project, it is envisaged that this project will involve the establishment of between 200 and 250 mobility hubs across several urban locations. While similar to the new and expanded Shared Micromobility Schemes, this pilot will also introduce the option of shared Electric Vehicles (EVs). While the exact number of mobility hubs to be established in the relevant local authority areas is yet to be finalised, it is intended that these networks will be of sufficient density to test the capacity of shared mobility services to deliver a meaningful contribution to the shift towards more sustainable modes of transport.

Subject to securing final approval for funding, which is to be sourced from the Climate Action Fund, it is anticipated that the procurement phase of the project will commence later in 2025. The project aims to commence the build out of the mobility hub networks across the relevant local authority areas from mid-2026.

In relation to the number of hubs in each local authority area, I should explain that many local authorities are also delivering shared mobility services and hubs under direct arrangement or contract with shared mobility providers. As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to active travel and public transport infrastructure, but the provision of hubs at a local level is a matter for the local authorities, in conjunction with State agencies where relevant.

Finally, as well as the above initiatives, it is my intention to shortly publish a new national policy statement on shared mobility, which will outline a pathway for supporting the development of hubs and increased shared mobility services, building on the work that is already underway.