A new subsidised local hackney service is to be provided in Glencar as well as 20 other rural locations where no current full-time service exists.

The one year pilot programme was announced today (Monday) by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, alongside the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The Local Hackney Pilot is a grant aided programme, which is designed to encourage new part-time local hackney services to operate in communities which could not support a full-time taxi or hackney operation.

Applications to take part in the pilot programme can be made at localhackney.ie.

The pilot programme will roll out across 21 rural areas, stretching from Donegal to Cork, for one year. All drivers will be licenced, insured and Garda vetted and will be able to pick people up from their doors to drop them to where they want to go, providing that essential “last mile” connection for people living in more isolated and rural areas.

“One of our key priorities in transport is to improve connectivity across rural Ireland in particular, not just in towns, but in the areas around those towns where so many people live and farm," Minister Eamon Ryan said.

"This pilot responds to the reality of rural life in Ireland, in a creative and local-based way, connecting people from their doors to local towns, healthcare centres, the post-offices, or onto other transport stops and hubs.”

Each successful applicant for the local hackney license may be granted €6,000 as a subsidy to ordinary fares income, to run the service. This grant is designed to contribute towards the fixed costs associated with providing this service. It is payable by NTA over one year, in equal monthly instalments, where the service provider can show that the services are being used and the local hackney service is of benefit to the community.

The local hackney, which exclusively operates on a pre-booked basis, may only pick up passengers within a designated area of seven to 10km from a chosen point, normally the residence of the licenced driver. The drop off point has no restrictions, with trips to healthcare facilities and transport hubs further afield anticipated.