Air Services

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Questions (195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 201, 202, 203)

Emer Currie

Question:

195. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport when the national U-space steering group will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50443/25]

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196. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the establishment of an operative inter-agency mechanism for the coordination of appropriate investigation of offences related to unmanned aircraft systems; when he expects this mechanism to be fully established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50444/25]

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Emer Currie

Question:

197. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the launch of education and awareness campaigns regarding compliance and enforcement, as outlined in the National Policy Framework for the unmanned aircraft systems sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50445/25]

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Emer Currie

Question:

198. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the establishment of test sites for the unmanned aircraft systems sector; which organisations, bodies and groups will be eligible to avail of these test sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50446/25]

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Emer Currie

Question:

199. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the timeline on the launch of test sites for the unmanned aircraft systems sector as outlined in the National Policy Framework for the unmanned aircraft systems sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50447/25]

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Emer Currie

Question:

201. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the projected cost of a fully functional U-Space System, the total amount invested by his Department in the research and development of a U-Space system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50449/25]

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Emer Currie

Question:

202. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport when the national working group on unmanned aircraft systems geographical zones will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50450/25]

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Emer Currie

Question:

203. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he envisaged the role of the local authority with regard to planning and the unmanned aircraft systems sector, following the launch of the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50451/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 201, 202 and 203 together.

The National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems was published on 20 August 2025. The Policy Framework aims to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland, through supporting growth and innovation, while ensuring safe and secure operations and managing environmental and other concerns.

The Policy Framework proposes a number of structures and actions, including those that the Deputy is requesting an update on, that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing UAS usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging UAS sector.

It proposes 16 actions under three main areas:

The Use of Airspace and Planning

Compliance and Enforcement

Enterprise and Innovation

Actions in the Policy Framework include:

• A National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones will be established to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UAS Geographical Zones, the safe management of the integration of UAS into our airspace and the impact on society and the environment.

• A National U-space Steering Group will be established to develop a National Plan for the Implementation of U-space (a set of specific services and procedures designed to ensure safe and efficient access to, and coexistence in, airspace for a high volume of UAS)

• The Irish Aviation Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Data Protection Commission will work together to establish an operative inter-agency mechanism for the coordination of appropriate investigation of offences related to UAS.

• The Irish Aviation Authority will identify the requirements, timeline, and costs of U-space delivery programme.

• A collaborative approach will be fostered between local authorities, the Irish Aviation Authority and the UAS sector on education and awareness campaigns.

• The UAS sector, in conjunction with the Irish Aviation Authority, will establish and promote relevant test sites.

Implementation of the Policy Framework relies on cross-government structures and the continuation of engagement and support from various government departments, agencies, the UAS sector and the public.

My Department will shortly be making arrangements for the establishment of a National UAS Policy Framework Monitoring Group and the associated working groups referred to above. The work of the groups will be guided by annual implementation action plans. The first of these plans is currently being drafted and will set out the approach to implementing the actions listed in the Policy Framework.

Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 195.

Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 195.

Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 195.

Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 195.