‘Rules of the road’ for drones must be prioritised – Currie

The lack of clear regulatory oversight for commercial drone operations, as demonstrated during today’s Oireachtas Transport Committee, reaffirms the urgent need for a co-ordinated National Framework Policy to govern Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Emer Currie, who is a member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, said: “The gaps in regulations in relation to noise, planning, public engagement, and management of airspace for commercial drones were abundantly clear at the Oireachtas Transport Committee today.

“It’s evident from today’s discussions that there is no monitoring of drone-generated environmental noise or any independent verification of noise reports conducted by our local drone operator. The Irish Aviation Authority stated its remit is safety and security, not noise.

“Dublin City Council referenced the Environmental Protection Agency Act, which specifically excludes aircraft noise. Maynooth University confirmed there are no legislative instruments to handle noise concerns from drones.

“Beyond model specifications, there are in fact, no protections in place for residents with regard to noise.

“In relation to planning and licensing, Dublin City Council confirmed to me that there is no published policy, legislation or guidance at a national level for local authorities. Bizarrely, the Irish Aviation Authority has been able to issue licenses for drones to operate out of specific locations in Dublin 15 without any engagement with the local authority or adherence to the County Development Plan.

“There is a vacuum when it comes to public information, engagement and complaints, which is currently being driven by a corporate rather than public entity.

“Last year Manna drones announced they had kicked off one of the world’s biggest drone delivery trials in Blanchardstown. Today however, a Manna representative stated that they do not see their operation as a trial.

“We need to find the balance between new technology and residential amenity, taking into consideration noise and air management. We need an integrated framework with public access to information, engagement and a complaints mechanism.

“All contributors today acknowledged the potential of u-space regulations, which has been described as the rules of the road for drone traffic management. However, the government has shared that u-space services aren’t envisaged until 2030 – that will be too late.

“Commercial drones appear to be here to stay. Therefore, regulations must catch up with innovation and fast.”