Local authority makes GoCar car-sharing facilities available

South Dublin County Council says initiative will ‘promote a culture of communal travel’

South Dublin County Council launched six GoCar car-sharing bases. GoCar allows motorists to rent out their cars to other motorists for an all-in cost that includes fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance. Photograph: Conor McCabe
South Dublin County Council launched six GoCar car-sharing bases. GoCar allows motorists to rent out their cars to other motorists for an all-in cost that includes fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance. Photograph: Conor McCabe

A local authority has made six locations available for motorists who wish to use GoCar vehicles.

South Dublin County Council has launched six GoCar car-sharing bases where cars will be parked for the public to use.

Since it was launched in 2008, 10,000 drivers have signed up to GoCar, and it now offers over 170 vehicles across 140 locations.

GoCar sign up to the service online or via an app. The vehicles can be unlocked with their phone or GoCar. The keys are in the car, with fuel, insurance and city parking all included.

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Rates start from €8 per hour, with 50 kilometres of driving included on each trip. It is meant for short trips as it costs 50c per kilometre after the 50 kilometres are up.

The location of the six new bases in the county are as follows:

Lucan: Opposite Topaz, beside bus stop

Tallaght Village: Old Greenhills Road

Templeogue Village : Behind Hollingsworth Cycles

Palmerstown Village: Outside Ulster Bank

Rathfarnham Village: Village Court

Rathcoole Village: Opposite Bank Of Ireland

South Dublin County Council mayor Councillor Guss O' Connell said GoCar is cost-effective and can reduce congestion.

He added: “It is hoped that this initiative will help promote a culture of communal travel and, as a start in that direction, reduce the necessity of families needing a second car.

“South Dublin County Council are extremely happy to be involved with this project and I hope it will be beneficial to both residents and businesses across the county.”

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times