Deliveroo Launches Drone Delivery Trial in Dublin with Manna Partnership

Deliveroo has commenced a drone delivery trial in Blanchardstown, Dublin, in collaboration with Irish drone operator Manna. The trial provides customers within a 3km radius with the opportunity to receive food from local restaurants such as Musashi, Boojum, and Elephant and Castle in as little as three minutes.

Manna's drones, which fly at speeds of up to 50mph, deliver food by releasing it on a biodegradable tether to the ground. The goal is to reduce delivery times and emissions, particularly in the suburbs.

Deliveroo plans to extend the service to more restaurants and grocery deliveries over the next six months. Manna, which has completed over 170,000 drone deliveries in the area, has complete regulatory approvals.

However, the increase in drone deliveries has caused concern among members of the public and public officials regarding safety, noise, and privacy. Some have compared the drones to "flying lawnmowers," and there are calls for clearer regulations to control the amount of drones in the sky.