The launch of a three-year pilot initiative for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and/or those who are most marginalised and disadvantaged has been announced according to a local Senator.
“Funding of €3 million is being provided by the Department of Transport for this initiative over a three-year period and will be made available through the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Community Services Programme,” said Kildare Senator Fiona O’Loughlin.
“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.
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.
An associated benefit of the scheme will be a reduction in the number of bikes going to landfill as a result of recycling and reusing bikes through the social enterprises engaged on the scheme.”
Senator O’Loughlin added that the pilot scheme 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.”
Applications are now being sought from eligible organisations for inclusion on this programme. Organisations eligible to apply are those currently supported under the Community Services Programme or alternatively are in a Partnership/Consortium of which at least one member is currently a CSP supported organisation. It is envisaged that the pilot will support up to 6 social enterprises in 2021.
Full details of the scheme and the necessary application form will be available on the Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd. Proposals should be submitted to csp@drcd.gov.ie using the application form by noon, 28th May 2021.
Any queries in connection with this Call for Proposals process can be emailed to csp@drcd.gov.ie