Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
102. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the efforts underway within the local government sector to promote shared mobility transport options for local-authority employees, including steps to reduce reliance on private vehicles for commuting and work-related travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70512/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or local authorities would consider working with or partnering with commercial shared-mobility operators to expand shared transport options for local-government employees, and to help build the level of shared-mobility capacity required to support Ireland's transport decarbonisation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70513/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the efforts underway within Government to promote shared mobility transport options for those working across the public sector, including measures to reduce reliance on private vehicles for commuting and work-related travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70508/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider working with or partnering with commercial shared-mobility operators as a means of expanding shared transport options for public-sector employees, including for work trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 103, 110 and 111 together.
This Government is fully committed to promoting shared mobility as part of wider objectives to expand the availability of affordable alternatives to private car travel. To that end, a series of initiatives are underway, which will facilitate greater usage of shared mobility options, including for commuting purposes and work-related travel.
In partnership with commercial shared-mobility operators, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is procuring services to advance expanded shared micromobility schemes in the regional cities next year, replacing the existing Transport for Ireland (TfI) bike schemes as contracts expire in August 2026. Several local authorities have also partnered with commercial operators to provide shared mobility services in towns such as Wexford, Sligo, Portlaoise and Mullingar.
A Mobility Hubs Pilot Programme, which is also in development, envisages the delivery of hub networks across Cork City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and the towns of Carlow, Dundalk and Sligo. These networks will provide access to shared micromobility options and, within larger hubs, shared Electric Vehicles. Subject to business case approval, it is anticipated that procurement for the delivery of these networks will commence in 2026.
In addition to the above, having regard to commitments in the Public Sector Mandate, many public sector bodies are leading on initiatives to encourage sustainable and shared mobility journeys among their employees, and are assisted in this process through Government funding for the Smarter Travel for Workplaces initiative. This is a behaviour change programme that works with large employers to implement voluntary Workplace Travel Plans. A large number of public bodies, including local authorities, have had their efforts recognised through the achievement of the NTA's Smarter Travel Mark.
Each of these initiatives serves to enable and promote greater usage of shared mobility options, including for commuting and work-related travel. However, it is for individual workplaces, including public bodies, to determine the sustainable mobility options that best fit the needs of their employees, including the potential offered by employer-led shared mobility options.
