- New dedicated city centre bases are a significant breakthrough for GoCar, Ireland’s only car sharing club
- New Government legislation means that Local Authorities can now designate parking spaces for car sharing clubs
- The new bases are situated in key city centre areas where demand for the service is high
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, was on hand to help GoCar – Ireland’s only car sharing initiative – to launch new city centre base locations in Dublin. New Government legislation will now allow for local authorities to designate exclusive parking spaces for car sharing clubs with Dublin City Council the first to enact this legislation.
The new dedicated on-street bases in Dublin are located at key city centre areas including Mountjoy Square, Parnell Square, Merrion Square, St. Stephens Green, Leinster Street South and Lower Mount Street. The new bases are a significant breakthrough for GoCar allowing it to offer its service where demand is at its highest.
GoCar works on a pay-per-trip basis which allows users the freedom to access a vehicle where and when they need it. Members currently benefit from free parking at any pay-and-display parking space, and this new legislation will provide even more parking options across the city centre. With no parking costs incurred for the use of GoCar vehicles, users can instead budget for the essential vehicle trip they wish to make without the stress and cost associated with NCT’s, vehicle servicing, tax and insurance premiums.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe TD said; ‘The sharing economy in Ireland is going from strength to strength. We have seen the success of the bike share scheme and the likes of Air BnB in recent years. The launch of these new car parking bases, will further enhance car sharing and its appeal to users.We are seeing more and more cars on the road as the economy strengthens, which, from a traffic and an environmental perspective, is unsustainable. Seeking the most effective ways of encouraging people out of private cars and onto public and other forms of transport is key to reducing congestion in the years ahead. Initiatives, like GoCar, allow people to scale back on their car usage and to avail of innovative car-sharing facilities when needed. This helps motorists to reduce their costs while helping to preserve the environment. The designation of dedicated GoCar on-street car-parking spaces in the city, which are free to use, will be a real advantage for users and for the company as it continues to promote its services in the years to come’.
Declan Wallace, Director of Traffic, Dublin City Council said; ‘Dublin City Council congratulates GoCar on their success to date and the Council is always delighted to cooperate in any initiative that promotes sustainable modes of transport and reduces traffic congestion. We are particularly pleased to have designated dedicated car club only bays adjacent to Coca cola zero Dublin Bike stations thereby creating mini sustainable transportation hubs in high profile locations in the city’.
Colm Brady Managing Director of GoCar commented; ‘The launch of these new bases following the enactment of this legislation is another significant step in our journey. GoCar is continuing to grow at a rapid pace as more and more people are seeking smarter and more affordable travel. At the moment around 200 new members are coming on board every month and our overall membership is at just over 5,000. We are excited about our future plans and are determined to bring car sharing to the greater Dublin area as well as cities across Ireland including Limerick, Galway and Waterford in addition to our existing bases in Dublin and Cork’.
Since its launch in 2013, GoCar has experienced rapid growth seeing its membership base grow to over 5,000 members. This increase in membership means its fleet of vehicles has now expanded to over 110. GoCar is also fast approaching another significant milestone of 20,000 trips,
Legislation Background
On August 1st 2013, Dublin City Council amended its by-laws to allow for a waiver scheme to be allowed for on-street parking. This allowed GoCar to go on street in Dublin City with users able to park GoCar vehicles in any pay and display parking spot. Less than a year later, under the statutory instrument dated March 25th, 2014 it was agreed that local authorities could now designate parking spots for car clubs.
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Notes to the Editor
How to book and find an available GoCar in Dublin
To book a GoCar and to check availability visit www.gocar.ie
GoCar Rates
GoCar is a members’ only car sharing service that allows members to rent cars and vans by the hour. The vehicles are located at convenient locations around Dublin and Cork. GoCar is charged by the hour and kilometer. The hourly rate between 8am – 8pm is €4.99 and it is €2.49 between 8pm – 8am. GoCar charge just 45c per KM and only €40 for a 24hr reservation. There is a one-off joining fee of €50 which includes €15 GoCar credit and there is a monthly admin fee of €5. GoCar insure the vehicles, pay the road tax, insurance and cover all fuel costs.
How to use a GoCar Vehicle
Access the vehicle with your swipe card and enter your pin number to release the keys and you’re off!