A new stationless bike sharing scheme in Dublin city will double the number of bike shares available according to Dublin City Council officials.
Its transport committee heard that two companies will start with around 600 bikes between them in April but plan to provide around 1,500 in addition to a similar number already available from Dublinbikes.
Stationless schemes are already being operated by Bleeperbikes in South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown council areas.
Kevin Meade, parking enforcement officer, said 1,300 additional bike parking spaces will be provided in the city by the end of next month.
The new stationless scheme will have "hubs" in each suburb and it is expected to be "self distributing" with people who take the bikes in the morning to go work returning in the evening, he said.
Mr Meade said an assessment process is underway following talks with a number of companies and two operators will begin on 9 April.
Bleeperbikes started a scheme in Dublin city last year but was forced to withdraw after the council said bye-laws needed to be passed first.
