Deliveroo has launched drone deliveries in Dublin to test whether the high-speed, low-emission service can expand its reach in suburban areas and improve delivery times.

The trial, based in Blanchardstown and in partnership with Irish drone operator Manna, is Deliveroo’s first foray into drone operations and will serve customers within a 3km radius.

The delivery service said from today (5 June) drones will deliver from popular local restaurants such as Musashi, WOWBurger, Boojum, and Elephant & Castle, with flight times as short as three minutes.

“Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people’s doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide, so I’m thrilled to launch drone deliveries in Dublin today,” said Deliveroo chief business officer Carlo Mocci, Chief Business Officer at Deliveroo.

The move means customers ordering via Deliveroo in the area can now opt for drone delivery, with the order lowered gently from the air using a biodegradable tether.

The drones are operated and monitored by Manna, which already holds full regulatory approval and has completed over 170,000 flights.

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It is understood each drone flies at speeds up to 80km/h, equipped with backup safety systems and parachutes, while deliveries are monitored in real-time by a dispatcher.

The trial covers 3km radius, reaching up to 150,000 people and will bypass road traffic, in a bid to significantly reduce delivery times and emissions and offer “faster, greener alternative in harder-to-reach areas”.

Customers eligible for drone delivery must confirm their location within the app to ensure there is a safe landing zone, typically a garden, driveway or open space. They will receive live tracking and a notification as the drone approaches.

Deliveroo said it is using the trial to understand how drones might help it serve new customers in less densely populated areas, particularly where road-based deliveries face delays.

Deliveroo said, if successful it plans to expand the service to more restaurants, and to launch grocery and retail deliveries within six months, complementing its rider model.

Manna CEO and founder Bobby Healy said: “Air delivery is fast, clean, and safe, offering a new avenue for local businesses to reach more consumers.”

“We’re proud to partner with Deliveroo to bring this innovative delivery experience to customers,” added sushi restaurant Musashi owner Bill Lang. “We have been serving up authentic sushi for years but never thought we’d see it in the sky, delivered to peoples’ doorsteps by drone.”

Deliveroo also added it was open to expanding drone deliveries to more markets, including the UK, where it welcomed the government’s £20m investment into drone infrastructure and commercial use.

Last month, it was announced Deliveroo is to be acquired by US rival DoorDash in a £2.9bn takeover deal, which co-founder and CEO Will Shu described as “the beginning of a transformative new chapter”.