Drone framework falls short of expectations for Dublin residents – O’Connell

The National Policy Framework for drones, which was published today, is a let-down for communities across Dublin, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Maeve O’Connell said: “For months I and my colleagues have been calling for certainty and proper guidelines for the usage of commercial drones above our homes and communities.

“I was disappointed to see that the framework published today commits to the creation of a working group on drone geographical zones. We have been calling for guidelines that provide certainty and reassurance to communities across Dublin, not the announcement of a working group that continues to leave the issue in limbo for another few months.

“The Minister for Transport says that he recognises the importance of collaboration and engagement of a wide range of stakeholders. This is precisely why I am calling on the Minister to ensure that this working group will now facilitate a full public consultation, so that every Dubliner can have their say before more drones begin flying over their homes.”

Deputy O’Connell also criticised the framework’s provision for ‘test sites’.

“These ‘test sites’ will simply allow commercial operators to expand without regulation, under the guise of ‘testing’. Our communities are not test sites.

“Dundrum is not a ‘test site’ – it’s a community where families spent years building their lives.

“While I acknowledge the potential drones have to boost business and services, this framework has completely the wrong tone. It does not take into equal account the concerns that local residents, along with my colleagues and I, have been raising with the Department and in the Dáil over numerous months.

“We need timelines for when the framework’s airspace controls will be in place, now.

“No further commercial drone activity can be given the green light until we have these firmly in place.

“Dublin’s ‘uncluttered airspace’ should be something we want to preserve, not exploit,” Deputy O’Connell concluded.