Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
265. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review existing legislation and regulation of drone operations and delivery systems to strengthen safeguards relating to noise, privacy, and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57064/25]
View answer266. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to ensure that the expansion of drone delivery services does not negatively impact residential communities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57065/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of drone operations, including commercial drone delivery operations, is provided for by an EU regulatory framework that is directly applicable in Ireland. In addition to complying with EU drone regulations, drone operators must also comply with national laws, including environmental, planning and privacy laws.
The rapid pace of drone innovation and commercialisation has created challenges. While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation safety perspective to regulate UAS commercial operations, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty.
The expansion of UAS delivery services is an area where clarity is required in relation to roles and responsibilities and cooperation and engagement with stakeholders and appropriate authorities.
I recently launched the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Policy Framework seeks to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps that may have arisen due to increased expansion of drone operations.
It aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. It proposes a number of structures and actions 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. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account.
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 move shortly to establish the overall implementation monitoring group and is developing the first of the annual implementation plans provided for in the Policy Framework.
