Local founder builds map-based platform to make finding help easier
A 25-year-old from Carrick-on-Shannon has built a new online platform designed to make it easier for people to find local help for everyday jobs.
Alex Hanly, who works as a Business Development Manager at Eir, has launched DoneNow while continuing in his full-time role.
He studied general business at the National College of Ireland in Dublin.
DoneNow is a software platform that connects people who need everyday jobs done with local workers nearby.
Users can post a job, set a price, and nearby workers can see it on a live map. Jobs and available workers appear on the map so people can see what’s nearby.
The platform covers jobs such as moving, cleaning, gardening, repairs, assembly and other odd jobs. It is free to use and free to post.
There is nothing to download - it opens in the browser on a phone or computer and can be added to the home screen so it works like an app.
Payment is held until the customer confirms the work is complete.
Alex said the idea came from his own experience looking for flexible local work at weekends.
While checking Facebook groups and classifieds, he noticed many people looking for help and many looking for work, but no simple way to connect them with clear pricing and secure payments.
Matching customers and workers efficiently also proves difficult in Ireland.
“There was no simple way to see available jobs nearby, with clear pricing and secure payments,” he said.
“That gap led me to build DoneNow.”
The platform launched at the end of August 2026 and has since grown to well over 1,000 users, with real jobs being completed through it.
Alex will also be attending Web Summit in Lisbon as part of the 36 Irish startups selected to take part.
Alex said bringing the idea to life took significant work alongside his full-time job. He built an early version himself before working with a developer, Clarity Web, to turn it into a live platform.
One of the main challenges, he said, has been getting both people who need help and people who want work to use the site.
On safety, Alex said workers can verify their identity, payments are held securely until the job is confirmed, and users can message each other in the app before agreeing to a job.
Reviews can be left after a job, and a disputes process is in place.
Looking ahead, Alex said the focus is on growing DoneNow further across Ireland.
He wants it to become the first platform people turn to when they need a hand or are looking for extra work.
New features are currently being added, with longer-term plans to continue improving the platform and potentially expand into other markets once it is stronger in Ireland.
If you need something done or are looking for flexible local work, you can check out DoneNow at www.donenow.ie or email Info@donenow.ie if you want to get in touch.