Fingal County Council with Local Link and GoCar announce "Community Car" Service

Fingal County Council in partnership with Local Link and GoCar will launch a pilot ‘Community Car’ Service in Howth and Skerries within the coming weeks. Local community travel is a lifeline for many people who do not drive, allowing them to get out and about, access local amenities and stay part of the local community. This very often isn’t an option for those who live rurally or have no local bus service available to them or declining mobility may be preventing them from using public transport.  This new “Community Car” service will be invaluable in meeting their needs and helping combat social exclusion and it is appropriate that it is being announced during European Mobility week.

The Rural Transport Programmes mission statement is “to provide a quality nationwide community based public transport system in rural Ireland which responds to Local needs,” and the key priorities continue to include addressing rural social exclusion and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services. The Fingal County Council Community Car Service also aims to assist those with mobility issues in attending Hospital or Health appointments and also social activities.

Interim Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: ‘I am delighted to see the launch of the ‘Community Car Service’ by Fingal County Council, in partnership with Local Link and GoCar. Initiatives like this play a very important part in addressing rural social exclusion and will undoubtedly assist those who can no longer drive or who have difficulties accessing public transport. Being able to get out and about is a vital way to stay part of the local community and to access local amenities and this new service will play a key role in that area.”

Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Eoghan O’Brien said “I'm delighted that Fingal County Council is leading the way with the launch of a Community Car service for the Skerries & Howth areas. This service will be invaluable to local residents with mobility issues and is a real positive step forward by the Council in partnership with Local Link and Go Car”  

Miriam McKenna from Local Link said “Local Link are very excited about this new Community Car Initiative and look forward to working in partnership with Fingal County Council and GoCar “  

Colm Brady - Managing Director, Europcar Mobility Group Ireland said "We're very excited to partner with Fingal County Council for this innovative and valuable service. The Europcar Mobility Group is committed to open mobility for all, and so we are delighted to see the GoCar service being utilised to support community schemes such as this one."