Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
151. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns regarding the use of commercial drones; the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72921/25]
View answerThe 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 drone operations, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty.
The expansion of drone 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 have 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.
Many of the issues addressed by the Policy Framework fall directly within the remit of my department, while other issues will cross-over into areas of responsibility of other Government Departments and agencies. A collaborative approach was taken in developing the Policy Framework through public consultation and extensive stakeholder and cross-government engagement. The Policy Framework aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. It provides for a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing drone usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging drone 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. The Policy Framework recognises the important role local authorities have in the development and roll out of drone operations in their communities. The policy framework also recognises the importance of ongoing collaboration and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.
My department has recently invited nominations from relevant Departments and agencies to an overall Policy Framework Implementation Monitoring Group and is developing the first of the annual implementation plans provided for in the Policy Framework.
