A new hackney pilot scheme launched across the Shannonside this week will be of major benefit to older people suffering isolation.
The subsidized service would cover 21 locations including Ballinalee in Longford and Elphin in Roscommon.
All drivers will be licensed, insured and Garda vetted and will be able to pick people up from their doors to drop them to where they want to go.
The initiative will operate on a pre-booked basis, with hackneys able to pick up passengers within a designated area of 7 to 10km from a chosen point, with the drop off point having no restrictions.
Ballinalee man Jimmy Fox says local groups and businesses will greatly benefit from a reliable hackney service in the area.
"It will be of great benefit to people in rural areas especially in areas where there is no transport available at all times during the day, like hackney services and things like that. It would be great for people who live out on their own and it will be something of great benefit to rural areas at this present time".
