Ruth Coppinger
Question:168. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to report on the issue of permission to operate for commercial delivery drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15475/26]
View answerThursday, 26 February 2026
Questions (168)
Written answers
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.
Two regulations, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, set out common rules for the regulation of drones and drone operators, including training, licensing and registration.
• Regulation 2019/947 sets operational rules that apply to both professional drone operators and those flying drones for leisure.
• Regulation 2019/945 sets the common EU-wide technical requirements for drones, the features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely. This regulation also seeks to foster investment and innovation in this sector, through a harmonised framework across the European Union.
The aim of the EU drone regulations is to achieve the same level of safety for drone operations as in manned aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation and enforcement of the EU drone regulations and standards.
Commercial drone delivery services are covered by the EU drone regulations. Such operations are closely regulated and fall into the medium risk “specific” category, which requires specific authorisation by a civil aviation authority, the IAA in Ireland. This type of authorisation is recognised in all EU Member States. To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations.
In addition to complying with EU drone regulations, drone operators must also comply with national laws, including environmental, planning and data protection laws.