Assurances on Dublin Airport drone defences needed ahead of busy season – Brophy

Assurances are required from Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and the Dublin Airport Authority that anti-drone technology will be deployed ahead of the busy Summer tourist season, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Colm Brophy said staff at the airport have undergone training to use the technology last month.

“We were told the staff were waiting on regulatory approval. Has this been provided to staff? We simply cannot endure another period like we had earlier this year.

“Why are we still waiting to know if it has been rolled out? Assurances for all stakeholders but most importantly passengers and staff of airlines is required immediately,” the Dublin TD said.

The airport was closed six times in the first two months of 2023 from illegal drone activity leading to flight disruptions and diversions.

Deputy Brophy said we need to hear from Minister Ryan now that the anti drone technology is being used and we won’t have to endure a June bank holiday weekend of excuses should something occur.

“It was this month last year that the airport came to a standstill with 1,400 people missing their flights due to long queues at security screening and led to the Defence Forces being deployed at the country’s main airport. We cannot suffer anymore issues.

“Minister Ryan should not accept any delays in the provision of this essential technology and his department should work with all parties involved to bring these protections on-line as soon as possible. We are a fortnight from the June bank holiday weekend.

“Passengers deserve certainty, the knock-on costs associated with delayed flights as a result of a drone attack can have a significant impact on families.

“It is the responsibility of the IAA and DAA to ensure the airport remains operational at all times and that the air traffic in and out of Dublin Airport is not stopped by drone attacks,” Deputy Brophy said.