Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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67. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to roll out schemes similar to the smart mobility hub scheme, run by Dublin City Council and Smart Dublin, across other public sector sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53928/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to a pilot project that is being coordinated by SMART Dublin on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, and which forms part of my department’s Sustainable Mobility Policy Pathfinder Programme. The objective of the project is to explore how staff can be encouraged to use sustainable modes of travel for work-related purposes, and to share learnings between the Dublin local authorities on approaches and outcomes. Workplace mobility hubs are being trialed as part of the project. These consist of low or zero emissions vehicles that are made available to staff, when needed, for work-related trips.

Currently, there are two active workplace mobility hubs - with a total of 11 e-bikes and 11 electric vehicles - in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council have also tested shared solutions for their workers, and South Dublin County Council have engaged closely with the other Dublin local authorities with a view to learning from their experiences.

My department welcomes the initiative shown by the Dublin local authorities in developing this pilot. It is very much aligned with the Smarter Travel Programme, supported by my department and delivered by the National Transport Authority, which seeks to encourage sustainable travel in all workplaces, including public sector bodies, and to seek recognition for this effort by applying for Smarter Travel Mark certification.

The Dublin local authorities are leading the way on sustainable travel solutions and supports for their workers and all four have attained the Smarter Travel Mark. However, it is for individual workplaces, including local authorities, to determine the sustainable mobility options that best fit the needs of their employees, including the potential offered by employer-provided shared mobility options. That said, a wrap-up report is currently being compiled by SMART Dublin to capture the lessons learned and to close out the pilot under the Pathfinder Programme, which concludes at the end of 2025. I fully expect the ensuing report to be a useful aid to other local authorities and public sector bodies who may be considering the establishment of similar initiatives for their staff, including workplace mobility hubs, over the coming years.