A number of subsidised hackney services will be available in some rural parts of the country from next month.
The pilot scheme is being rolled out in a number of Local Link areas as part of the National Transport Authority's plans to combat rural isolation.
Operators will receive a grant to run the service from the NTA and will not be required to hold a public service vehicle (PSV) licence.
12 areas are to receive grants under the scheme, including Kilberry in Co Kildare, Dunmore in Co Galway, Knockanore in Co Waterford, Ballyfad in Co Wexford and Annacarty in Co Tipperary.
The remaining areas which the scheme will operate in are: Adrigole (Co Cork), Glencar (Co Kerry), Shanahoe (Co Laois), Martinstown/Ballinvrena (Co Limerick), Cullyfad (Co Longford), Lettermacaward (Co Donegal) and Newbliss (Co Monaghan).
Drivers will receive a grant of up to €6,000 over 12 months to operate the hackney service.
Scheme roll-out
Minister of State for Transport, Brendan Griffin, says the new licenses are streamlined so the driver doesn't need a PSV license.
Additionally, he says the costs will be much lower than a regular hackney or taxi service in an urban area due to subsidies from the NTA.
He said this will therefore make the service much more viable for the operator
Minister Griffin also confirmed that the scheme could be expanded if it is a success.
He said: "This pilot scheme invited applications from each of the 15 Local Link areas around the country.
"12 of the areas have returned an application and in these areas, the licence will be granted.
"The pilots will be studied to confirm future policy in this area but I'm very confident this will be a success and we will see the roll-out of further licenses in rural areas around the country after this pilot is concluded."
