I thank Deputies Gannon and Coppinger for raising this important issue. It is one that will become more prevalent. For many of us who live in areas adjacent to airports, it is an ongoing issue. I apologise on behalf of the Minister, Deputy O’Brien. I am taking this question for him this morning. From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of both the recreational and commercial use of drones, or unmanned aircraft systems as they are technically called, is provided for under European Union regulations that are directly applicable in Ireland. I have listened to the concerns outlined by both Deputies and will bring them back to the Department. The IAA is working with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and other member states in developing guidelines and regulations on drone noises. Two drone-specific EU regulations ensure drone operations across Europe are safe and secure, namely, EU Regulation 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/947. Both set out common rules for the regulation of drone operators including training, licensing and registration. The points by Deputies Gannon and Coppinger about the persistent noise and privacy are ones that we should listen to carefully because they are being articulated by many people. We are all in favour of innovation. I hope a solution will be found. I will relay Deputy Gannon’s comments about the residents he has met. Regulation 2019/947 sets out operational rules that apply to both professional drone operators and those flying drones for leisure. Regulation 2019/945 sets the common EU-wide technical requirements for drones, including the features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely. This regulation also seeks to foster investment and innovation in this sector through a harmonised framework across the European Union. The aim of the EU drone regulations is to achieve the same level of safety for drone operations as in manned aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority, the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation of the EU drone regulations and standards. The drone regulations are operation-centric and focus on the risk of drone operations, such that regulation is lighter on low-risk operations and more demanding on higher risk operations. Under the EU regulatory regime, drone operations are classified into three broad categories - open, specific and certified - with different regulatory considerations applied in each category. Commercial drone operations may fall into any one of the categories depending on the risk associated with the operation. Low-risk commercial drone operations, such as aerial photography, may fall into the open category where the regulation and oversight of operations are lighter. Other commercial drone operations, such as the drone delivery operations mentioned by Deputy Coppinger, are more closely regulated. These type of commercial drone operations may fall into the medium-risk “specific” category, which may require specific authorisation by the IAA. I agree with Deputy Coppinger; there must be other ways of carrying out home delivery. I completely concur with her on that matter. This type of authorisation is recognised in all EU member states. To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio, which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations. These might include, for example, co-ordination with air traffic control or fitting the drone with a parachute and flight termination system. At a national level, SI 24/2023, Irish Aviation Authority (Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)) Order 2023, came into force on 2 February 2023, replacing an earlier drones order. It states the investigative and enforcement powers of the IAA and provides for arrangements between An Garda Síochána and the IAA in respect of enforcement of EU drone regulations. It also includes a section on privacy rights, which draws the attention of drone operators to preparing a data protection impact assessment where required in accordance with the EU general data protection regulation. That is about ensuring the points made by Deputy Coppinger are fulfilled and complied with. I will bring the Deputies’ comments back to the Department. It is important we have privacy, protect wildlife and ensure the regulations are upheld.

Sentiment score: 0.20

I thank Deputies Gannon and Coppinger. Aviation, as we know, is a highly regulated industry. There is a comprehensive legislative framework both at European and national levels to generate and regulate safe drone operations. The rapid pace of drone innovation and commercialisation is creating challenges, which the Government will meet. There has been engagement with the IAA. The Government is completely aware that the impact of a growing drone sector, with an increase in the volume of drone operations, requires further consideration. I will bring the concerns back and particularly the piece around autism because Deputy Gannon makes a very good point. I will also take back the points Deputy Coppinger made. It is about the noise being consistent. As she said, the drones may not be flying as high, because of the regulations, but they are flying lower and that is causing a challenge. The programme for Government, as the Deputies well know, includes a commitment to finalise and publish a policy framework for drones and guide high-level strategic planning and development of the drone sector in Ireland through supporting growth and innovation while ensuring safe and secure operations and managing environmental and other concerns. The policy framework recognises the importance of collaboration and the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders. The foundation of the policy framework is a cross-governmental Department engagement and is informed by both public and industry consultation. Last year, a public consultation was held. It sought feedback from the public on several key areas including how to respond to public concerns about the increased use of drones, how to position Ireland as a potential front-runner in the emerging sector and how to future-proof responsible development of the drone industry. I will convey to the Department the points made by both Deputies because they fit into that public consultation feedback. The policy framework must, and does, seek to balance between realising the benefits of the development and managing public concerns about the increasing use of drones, as articulated by both Members this morning. I thank Deputies Coppinger and Gannon for bringing the matter before us. I am sure this will form just one of many Topical Issue debates we will have on this because it is becoming an issue in many parts of the country, not just in the two areas outlined this morning.

Sentiment score: 0.35

Sorry, I cannot put it on the transport committee's agenda. That is a matter for the Chair of the committee, Deputy Michael Murphy. The Deputy might write to him.

Sentiment score: -0.02