Innovate car hire scheme launched

DUNDALK has joined the growing number of centres around the country where people can rent cars through the GoCar scheme, which was launched last Thursday to coincide with European Mobility Week.

The theme of this year’s European Mobility Week, providing the perfect platform for the launch of GoCar, which has been operating in Dublin and Cork since 2008.

The scheme allows people who sign up for membership to rent a car and is ideal for holiday makers and also for those who may only need a car occasionally, as well as for those travelling for business.

GoCar allows members to rent cars for as short a time as an hour, using a booking system to reserve the vehicle and in-car technology to unlock the car and drive. It is ideal for people who only need occasional access to a vehicle and also allows those who cannot afford a car the opportunity to drive on a pay per use basis. Fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance are all included.

There will be three vehicles available for hire in Dundalk, based at Clark Railway Station, Boyd’s Car Park, Long Walk, and The Demesne, which can be booked at a moment’s notice. The cars can be picked up and left at these locations which have designated spaces.

According to Go Car ‘ The average car is used less than one hour a day, but costs €11,000 a year. That works out at over €30 an hour, while GoCars only cost €8 an hour.’

People using GoCar save on tax and insurance, making it ideal for those who cannot afford to own a car. Parking charges are also covered in the fee.

The scheme is being piloted in Dundalk for six months.