Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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138. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a request for funding support for an organisation (details supplied) in Cork. [50256/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In 2021, the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, announced the introduction of a pilot initiative to develop a scheme for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and/or most marginalised and disadvantaged, via Pobal’s Community Services Programme.

Five organisations around the country, including the organisation referred to your question, were selected to undertake the upcycling work as part of a 3-year pilot programme, funded by the Department of Transport. Funding of €1 million per annum for the period 2022-2024 inclusive has been allocated to this initiative.

It was agreed to extend the initiative into 2025 whereby an independent review of the programme would be undertaken. The continuation of funding is subject to the outcomes of this ongoing review. It is anticipated that the Review will be completed before year end.