A new scheme, with €3 million in funding, has been launched for repairing and restoring bikes that will see them upcycled and sold to new owners for modest sums.
The project, in pilot form, was launched today by the Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment & Communications Eamon Ryan TD (Greens) and Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Joe O'Brien TD (Greens).
It is effectively a three-year trial to provide "high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes or those who are most marginalised and disadvantaged".
“This scheme will provide a vital transport option to
those on limited incomes. Access to bikes and e-bikes can open up a whole range
of new opportunities," Joe O’Brien said.
"People will be able to travel further for work, to
socialise, to engage with services or simply to enjoy cycling as an activity.
In addition, this scheme will also provide training and employment
opportunities for those who may have had difficulty accessing the mainstream
labour market."
Advertisement
Related News
🚲"It will teach people the skills on how to repair and upcycle bikes, and it'll also provide a very useful community service as well, and make cycling and bicycles more accessible." @joefingalgreen launching the pilot €3m bike and E-bike upcycling initiative with @EamonRyan. pic.twitter.com/C83KMEkZ9r
— Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) April 28, 2021
The funding to upcycle old bikes - meaning they will not go to landfill - will be made available through the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Community Services Programme (CPS). Organisations currently supported under the CPS can apply for funding to upcycle the bikes, which will then be sold to people at reduced rates.
The intention is to share with people who are not employed or who are on low incomes the benefits enjoyed by other people who can afford to buy new bikes under the bike to work scheme.
"This is an important step towards fulfilling the commitment
in the Programme for Government to widen the scope of the bike to work Scheme,"
Eamon Ryan said.
"It will make the purchase of a bike more accessible to those on lower incomes or outside employment, meaning that cycling will become a viable option for more people around Ireland.”
To apply for inclusion on the scheme, or to access more information, please follow this link.
Topics
