Details have been announced for a pilot scheme of food delivery via drones in Dublin.

Manna Drone Delivery has announced Just Eat, Ben & Jerry's and Camile Thai as its initial partners.

The first commercial pilot of the plan will take place in late March at University College Dublin (UCD).

People in parts of south Dublin will be able to order food on the Just Eat app, which will then be dispatched using a drone.

Image: Manna Drone Delivery

Manna Drone Delivery says it will deliver to a large customer base with a sub three-minute delivery promise from vendor to customer.

Manna CEO and founder Bobby Healy said: "I am extremely proud of the team and what we have built.

"It is a pleasure to work with such high calibre partners on our project next month in Dublin - our commercial pilot in University College Dublin.

"It's clear that drone delivery provides a faster, cleaner, safer, cheaper and higher quality alternative to road-based delivery.

"We are excited about how that will improve the world".

Image: Manna Drone Delivery

Mr Healy also praised the Irish Aviation Authority as "a tremendous help and guide over the past three years".

"We look forward to working with regulators around the world as we bring this innovative technology to customers across the globe."

Amanda Roche-Kelly, Just Eat Ireland managing director, added: "We're delighted to be involved in these pioneering trials with Manna, who have clearly built a groundbreaking drone delivery system.

"Transforming the business of food delivery as we know it, this coming together of two complementary services will greatly improve the delivery experience for our customers and further adds to the countless ways we connect people with food, everywhere."