SEAT Ireland has today announced details of its association with the Mondello Park Early Drive Programme. SEAT has supported the initiative since 2011 and this year, SEAT has unveiled a fleet of all new SEAT Ibiza models to be used throughout the programme.

The Early Drive Programme will allow 650 transition year students across Ireland gain valuable, early driving experience in a perfectly safe environment. Specifically, the programme will use dual control SEAT Ibiza cars thus giving students the confidence to learn the basics of car control without having to worry about other road users.  This programme is available to all other transition year students should they wish to partake.

Speaking at the announcement of the partnership, Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland commented, “SEAT has been a supporter of the Early Drive Programme for many years and we are delighted to continue this partnership. Not only is it good to see so many young drivers acquiring early experience of safe driving, it also introduces the SEAT brand to this captive audience early and is sure to give them a positive impression of our dynamic and stylish brand.”

As part of the partnership, seven SEAT dealers across the country will be sending transition year students from their elected schools with a total of 650 Transition Year students set to avail of the Early Drive Programme at no cost to the schools involved.

Mondello Park General Manager Roddy Greene has welcomed SEAT’s continued support. “We are hugely grateful to SEAT for once again coming on board to support the Early Drive Programme. We have had over 5,500 students experience the Early Drive Programme since 2011 and SEAT’s enthusiasm for the project really helps students appreciate and learn the benefits of safe driving.”

Participating SEAT dealers and associated schools:


·         Canavan SEAT – Scoil Íosa, Malahide, Dublin

·         Blackwater Motors – Coláiste an Chraoibhin, Fermoy, Co. Cork

·         Finbarr Galvin Motors – Bandon Grammar School, Co. Cork

·         Bradys SEAT – St Declan’s School, Navan Road, Dublin

·         Adams of Glin – Scoil Mhuire agus Íosa, Limerick

·         George Corbett Motors - De La Salle College, Waterford

·         Bradys Cavan – Breffni College, Cavan