Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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335. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 28 May 2025, to estimate the cost of funding the Dublin bikes scheme directly from the Exchequer when the contract ends in 2027. [29638/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure, including the provision of funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in support of public bike-sharing schemes in Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford. Matters related to the day-to-day operations, management and expansion of these public bike schemes are primarily a matter for the relevant local authorities, in conjunction with the NTA.

Outside of the regional cities, many local authorities have arrangements in place with shared mobility companies to provide bike-sharing schemes under contract or licence agreement. In the case of the Dublin Bikes scheme, this is operated by JCDecaux under contract with Dublin City Council. As the Deputy refers, the related contract for operating the scheme is due to expire in 2027.

While this Government is keen to enable the expansion of shared micro mobility services in all of Ireland's cities, and it is expected that operational models for existing shared mobility schemes will be reviewed as part of broader policy objectives in this area, Dublin City Council are best placed to establish the quantum of likely costs in a scenario where the Dublin Bikes scheme were to be funded directly from the Exchequer.