Written Answers Nos. 77-96
77. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 21 March 2024, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is being undertaken as part of the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21900/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, is currently developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). The new strategy will replace the existing strategy adopted in 2016 and will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area.
As part of the development of the new GMATS, mode specific analysis is being undertaken including a light rail feasibility study and this study is now substantially complete. After the draft GMATS has been finalised, the NTA will undertake a non-statutory public consultation process which will give stakeholders the opportunity to share their views on the draft strategy.
Given the NTA's role in the development of the GMATS, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for the latest available information in relation to its development. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
78. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the implementation of the all-island strategic rail review, including timelines and next steps, with specific reference to the development of the new passenger service on the Limerick-Foynes rail line, the spur to Shannon Airport and the upgrade of the Limerick Junction-Limerick-Waterford line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22114/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft Report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment, or SEA, public consultation in July of last year.
The draft Report makes 30 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system across the island up to 2050. Implementation of these recommendations would result in substantial improvements in the capacity, speed, frequency and reach of the rail system. Journey times by rail would be much reduced, and frequency would increase to at least hourly between cities and every two hours on rural and regional routes. The network would be decarbonised, with the intercity routes electrified.
The recommendations also aim to enhance connectivity with the major airports on the island, including by providing a spur to Shannon Airport. They also support increasing the modal share of rail freight, in part by upgrading Limerick Junction and its link with the Waterford line.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions and that the final Review will be published in the Summer.
Separate to the Rail Review, Iarnród Éireann commenced works on reinstating the rail line between Limerick city and Foynes Port for rail freight services. Construction on the line commenced in early 2023 and it is anticipated that the line will re-open for freight services by 2026.
Noting the Iarnród Éireann’s responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
79. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on the intervention of his Department to progress the reopening of Barrow Bridge in advance of the recouping of costs due to the ship strikes from the insurance companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22121/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that officials in my Department have engaged with Iarnród Éireann in relation to the bridge strike at Barrow Bridge, the short-term remedial actions to ensure safety, and the longer-term repair works required.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in the matter in the first instance, I have referred the Deputy's questions to IÉ for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
80. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the actual position regarding the N22 Farranfore to Killarney road improvement project, further to TII correspondence to this Deputy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22111/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.
As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there was a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year. As a result of this, a prioritisation exercise was necessary. In line with the NDP and Government policy, national road funding for 2024 was allocated in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Protection and renewal of the existing national road network
• Progressing major projects in or near construction
• Progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
My Department and TII are in regular communication regarding specific projects and the national roads programme more generally. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the N22 Killarney to Farranfore project will be kept under review in future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. However, I can assure the Deputy that sufficient funding is in place to ensure that the route options phase will be concluded in 2024 with a preferred route selected.
81. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for the delay in providing the funding needed to allow for the continuation of work on designing the upgrade to the Cahir to Limerick Junction section of the N24 road project; if he is aware that the funding received for the project to date is diminishing and the remaining funding is needed immediately to quell concerns that, otherwise, this section of the project may stall; when the funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22069/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
I can confirm that €650,000 was allocated for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction scheme in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you regarding the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
82. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the operation of the new electric bus fleet in Limerick city, including information on passenger numbers, reliability of service and if any impacts are expected on air quality in Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22115/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
83. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the application from City of Derry Airport to have Irish Government support for the Derry to Dublin air link reinstated. [22071/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his continued interest in this matter.
In the context of supporting greater connectivity on the island of Ireland, the Government agreed ‘to take forward a review of the potential for Government support to renewed viable air routes from Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry, working with the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to deliver improved connections as a priority’ as part of its commitments under New Decade New Approach.
As the Deputy is aware my Department has progressed a desk-based review to inform this commitment, which Minister Ryan and I are considering in consultation with Government colleagues. Also being taken into consideration is the material most recently provided by City of Derry Airport (CODA).
Engagement on this matter will continue between my Department, the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK Government, as appropriate.
84. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress of the implementation of hourly cross-Border train services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22144/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Midleton-Youghal N25 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22147/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of these projects.
I can confirm that €450,000 was provided in 2024 for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme. The delivery programme for this projects will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
86. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the reason the northern ring road was not included in the interactive Project 2040 map launched recently. [22095/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.
As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there was a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year. As a result of this, a prioritisation exercise was necessary. In line with the NDP and Government policy, national road funding for 2024 was allocated in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Protection and renewal of the existing national road network
• Progressing major projects in or near construction
• Progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
I can confirm that the Cork City Northern Transport Project (formally the Cork North Ring Road) did not receive an allocation in 2024, however, my Department and TII are in regular communication regarding specific projects and the national roads programme more generally. The Cork City Northern Transport Project remains part of the NDP. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the Cork City Northern Transport Project will be kept under review for 2025 and in future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
87. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the supports he has made available to date and plans to make available in the future to the Port of Cork company to enable it to expand and develop its facilities in order that it can become a centre for project marshalling and assembly, as outlined in the recently published policy statement Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOffshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is integral to achieving Ireland’s Climate Change ambitions, with a target of achieving 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, with a further 2GW to be in development by 2030. Beyond that, the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan 2021 also sets out a target of 37GW of ORE projects to be delivered before 2050.
Government policy on commercial state ports, including the Port of Cork Company, is that they operate on a commercial self-funding basis. Notwithstanding this, the ORE Ports Facilitation Division in my Department is committed supporting the development of port infrastructure, to maximise the use of Irish ports for offshore wind delivery. Separately, the current review of the National Ports Policy will consider ways to support the development of this essential port infrastructure in line with the Government’s climate and energy goals.
The Future Framework recognises the important role of Commercial state ports in servicing offshore wind. It sets out that ORE developments will typically require access to large-scale port infrastructure for project marshalling and assembly (M&A), and smaller-scale port facilities to provide ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) services after ORE structures are installed.
The Department of Transport engages regularly with the Port of Cork, in meetings and by correspondence with respect to the Port’s proposed development at Ringaskiddy both directly and also as part of the department’s regular corporate governance engagement. The department’s Offshore Renewable Energy Ports Facilitation Division, which was established a year ago, has visited the Port of Cork offices on a number of occasions, including twice in recent months.
In addition, officials in the Department of Transport continue to engage with all industry stakeholders with a view to maximising all financing opportunities available to Irish Commercial State ports. This includes potential financing partners such as the European Union (EU) through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) fund, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
I can confirm that the Port of Cork has applied for funding under the 2023 call for the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) fund for their proposed development at Ringaskiddy. If successful, the Port of Cork can obtain up to 30% of its costs for infrastructure works. Officials in the Department of Transport assisted the Port with their submission. The results of the call will be announced in June of 2024.
Furthermore, my Department has signed an Advisory Assignment with the European Investment Bank to undertake an analysis of demand, capacity, and financing options relating to Irish ports’ ORE plans. The output of this work will be crucial in identifying how Irish ports will contribute to the meeting of our 2030 offshore wind targets.
The Department of Transport will continue engagement with the Port of Cork with a view to supporting the development of its proposed development at Ringaskiddy, where appropriate.
88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the 109 Bus Éireann bus service; its performance standard and plans to improve it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22081/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
89. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s support for the Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21759/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is a division within the Department of Transport and a principal emergency service whose role it is to provide maritime search and rescue, maritime casualty, and pollution response service.
My Department is fully committed to ensuring that the Irish Coast Guard remains capable and equipped to deliver its services and to meet current and future challenges.
My Department has recently appointed an Assistant Secretary and a Director to the Coast Guard. The Assistant Secretary is a member of the Department of Transport’s Management Board and is overseeing a review across all aspects of the Coast Guard Service including strategy, structure, roles, culture and governance. This includes an extensive engagement programme with volunteers and staff, to inform and guide this work to ensure that the IRCG is best placed to succeed in the 21st century.
90. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress of the N53 project in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22143/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €500,000 was provided in 2024 for the N53 Hackballscross to Rassan scheme. As with all national roads projects, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
91. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport to detail the consultation his Department engaged in with disabled persons organisations prior to the introduction of floating island bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22125/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure as well as the provision of an accessible, integrated public transport system for all users.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport infrastructure, including floating island bus stops, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
92. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for not providing an allocation to progress the N24 Waterford to Cahir transportation scheme, for which Tipperary County Council requires €2.53 million for 2024 to continue progress, and a further €5.4 million to complete the design and bring the project through An Bord Pleanála; his views on the fact seven homes are in planning limbo as long as the project remains suspended; his views on how the non-provision of funding will affect the poor road safety record of the N24 in its current state; his further views on how the non-provision of funding reflects on the €5.07 million spent to date on the current scheme; if he will reconsider the decision to withhold funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the design, planning, construction, operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
It is important to point out that Kilkenny County Council is the lead local authority with regard to the N24 Waterford to Cahir project. While it was not possible to provide an allocation to this project, it remains part of the NDP, and as with all NDP projects will be considered for funding in future years. Separately, €650,000 was provided to Tipperary County Council to progress the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the projects on the N24. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
93. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the legislation required for speed limit reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22021/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Action 6 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, a review was undertaken to examine the framework for setting of speed limits in Ireland including specific consideration of the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas. This review is complete and was published in September 2023. Speed limits are set through a combination of default speed limits and ‘special' speed limits, as defined in the Guidelines for Managing Speed Limits in Ireland. Exceptions to the defaults are permitted in the guidelines to aid and empower local decision making and ensure that a given speed limit is aligned with the prevailing conditions of specific sections of the road network. The Guidelines provide advice to local authorities in the setting of special speed limits having regard to matters such as road safety and road conditions. The Road Traffic Act of 2004, as amended, sets out the current legislative basis for the setting of speed limits. The Act applies ‘default’ speed limits to different classes or categories of road and allows for local authorities to intervene and set ‘special speed limits’, within limitations, on roads in their area. The making of bye-laws to set 'special' speed limits is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority. This Act has been amended through the Road Traffic Act 2024 to address priority actions relating to the Default Speed Limits for National Secondary Roads (from 100km/h to 80km/h), Rural Local Roads (from 80km/h to 60km/h) and Built Up Areas (from 50km/h to 30km/h). Since the completion of the Speed Limit Review an Implementation Group and Guidelines Subgroup have been formed and have developed an initial implementation plan and amendments to the Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland. The amended guidelines will be published in the coming weeks, along with the holding of information seminars with local authorities planning the implementation of the new default speed limits on a phased basis. Collectively, this will support local authorities to carry out their own speed limit reviews and pass bye-laws for 'special' speed limits, where appropriate.
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which plans are afoot for the implementation of the extension of the DART to Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Kilcock, Sallins, Naas and further afield; the extent to which such works are in hand; whether requests from the commuters in north Kildare to extend the turntable points to an area beyond Maynooth and Kilcock, given the wider catchment area and demand for transport services, are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ programme.
The DART+ programme comprises of five related projects for the development of rail in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and eastern region, covering DART+ Fleet, DART+ West, DART+ South West, DART+ Coastal South and DART+ Coastal North projects.
Railway Order applications for DART+ West and Dart+ South West have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála in July 2022 and March 2023 respectively. Subject to the projects receiving planning approval, and there being no successful legal challenge to this decision, procurement documents will be prepared for the projects, which will require Ministerial approval at Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. Following the procurement process, the projects will be submitted for Government Consent at Approval Gate 3 under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The Deputy may also be aware that funding for the DART+ programme as a whole is provided for under the Government's National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP). A final decision on the funding of the DART+ West and DART+ South West projects will be made at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have also referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
95. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on the expansion of active travel funding for educational and hospital campuses, to include funding for large business parks, and overall expansion of supports for active travel infrastructure, including supports for workplace showers, wet gear storage and secure overnight bike parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22119/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority's (NTA's) Smarter Travel Programme is a national voluntary behaviour change programme and supports workplaces and third-level institutions to develop and implement sustainable travel plans for staff and student bodies, including the measures highlighted by the Deputy.
Programme partners are invited to survey their staff and students about how they commute to work or campus. The survey report guides organisations on how they can best facilitate, encourage and promote an increase in active and sustainable commuting. Partners include private and public sector organisations including local authorities, leading hospitals and third level universities.
Some of the private sector organisations are located in business parks such as Raheen, Ringaskiddy and Eastpoint. However, the dispersed location of business parks is often difficult to serve well with public transport and has been designed in a car-centric manner. For example, the distance from the front gate of the business park to the businesses within can often be quite long and car parking is generally provided for all. In this context, it can be difficult to illicit behavioural change in these areas.
It is therefore evident that there is not one sole solution to encourage modal shift; as well as infrastructure provision there needs to be buy-in from both employer and employee which is the overall aim of the Smarter Travel Programme. The Department and the NTA are supporting these behavioural change initiatives through continued and increasing investment in active travel and public transport services and infrastructure across the country to help people make the switch.
96. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to prevent drone incursions near airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21760/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing drone incidents that caused disruption at Dublin airport in early 2023, daa has put in place a range of additional measures to counter illegal drone use. This includes a re-examination and updating of its standard operating procedures when drones are detected, an upgrade to its drone detection systems, a review of the safety critical area at the airport and the deployment of a counter drone system. The counter drone system was deployed following a Government Decision on the matter and when the necessary approvals and licences were secured from the Irish Aviation Authority and ComReg. All relevant bodies at Dublin Airport now cooperate effectively to tackle illegal drone use and the disruption encountered in early 2023 has not been repeated. However, illegal drone use remains a threat to operations at Dublin Airport and measures are kept under review by the bodies concerned.
In relation to other airports, all airports in the State with commercial traffic are required to have procedures in place to deal with the safety risk posed by illegal drone activity. The procedures are developed in accordance with guidance on managing drone safety risk issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Safety critical areas are defined, and a risk assessment must be maintained at each of our airports as part of their certification by the Irish Aviation Authority. The maintenance of an active risk assessment and appropriate operating procedures are currently considered sufficient to deal with any potential drone risks at other airports in the State.
