David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

344. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will renew funding for the bikes and ebikes upcycling initiative or continue to fund the services concerned until a decision is made on model 1, 2, or 3 as presented in the report (details supplied); whether he has decided on model 1, 2, or 3 as proposed by the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61950/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 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 was allocated to this initiative.

It was agreed to extend the initiative into 2025 whereby the independent review of the programme referred to by the Deputy in his question would be undertaken. It is expected that the Review will be presented to my Department in the coming weeks.