Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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370. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to clarify the shared transport mobility hub which will replace the TFI bike scheme in Cork; how this will operate in practice; the relevant costs for cyclist compared to the current scheme; that cyclist will not be penalised in terms of additional cost resulting from the change in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46458/25]

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 sustainable mobility, including the provision of funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in support of Transport for Ireland (TfI) public bike-sharing schemes in Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford.

Details related to the operation of these schemes, including the current re-tendering process for their expansion as 'Shared Micromobility Schemes', are a matter for the NTA.

In addition to the above schemes in the regional cities, the NTA are also advancing a business case for a Mobility Hubs Pilot Programme. This Programme, which is separate and additional to the shared micromobility schemes (formerly TfI bike schemes), will consist of pilots to test the network effect of mobility hubs in a variety of urban settings. In June this year, I announced that there were five candidate locations in scope for the testing of these hub networks - one is Cork City. Subject to the necessary approvals, the rollout of a mobility hub network in Cork would be additional to the expanded TfI bike scheme that will be rolled out next year under the new 'Shared Micromobility Schemes'. The existing TfI bikes will remain in operation until the new operator is ready to commence operations in the summer of 2026. I hope this helps to clarify the various developments that are underway or being considered as part of the shared mobility offering in Cork.

As the planning, design and operation of shared mobility schemes and hubs are a matter for the NTA, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.