Deliveroo connects with Manna as it goes live with test phase of drone deliveries in Dublin, Ireland

Deliveroo has launched drone deliveries in Dublin, Ireland, through a partnership with Manna.

The service is based in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, with Deliveroo conducting a test phase over the coming weeks. It will use the initial weeks to assess how drones can help serve suburban and harder to reach locations, with the ultimate aim of unlocking new customers through fast deliveries, complementing its rider network. 

Over the coming days, customers in a 3km radius of Blanchardstown will be able to order from local restaurants including Musashi, WOWBurger, Boojum and Elephant & Castle - flown to customers in as little as three minutes. Deliveroo is aiming to expand the service to more restaurants and launch grocery and retail deliveries within the next six months. 

Drones will be deployed from Manna’s local delivery hub, flying at speeds of up to 80 km/h. Upon arrival, the drone hovers and gently lowers the food to the ground via a biodegradable tether.

Deliveroo is looking at expanding the service to its other markets, subject to the benefits to consumer experience, following the launch in Ireland, alongside regulatory evolution in other markets. The company says that it welcomes the UK government's £20 million investment to advance commercial drone operations and bring this technology closer to reality for UK consumers. 

Carlo Mocci, Chief Business Officer at Deliveroo, says “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. We’re excited to explore how drones can help us reach new customers, complementing our existing rider model and if successful, the prospect of expanding drone deliveries across Ireland and into other markets.”

Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder at Manna Air Delivery, says: “Air delivery is fast, clean, and safe, offering a new avenue for local businesses to reach more consumers. Manna Air Delivery is proud to partner with Deliveroo, a platform trusted by top local restaurants and eateries, to bring this innovative delivery experience to customers."

Bill Lang, owner of Musashi, says: “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. Musashi is delighted to extend our partnership with Deliveroo to drone deliveries, helping us to reach even more customers in the Blanchardstown area."

Each drone is equipped with safety features, including backup systems and a parachute, and is continuously monitored by a dedicated dispatcher throughout its flight.

Eligible customers within the correct radius will need to validate their address via the app before it confirms a suitable pin location for a safe drop off, typically a driveway, front or back garden. Once an order is placed, they will be able to track the delivery as usual and will be notified when the drone is nearby so they can receive the order. 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Drone delivery will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.