Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
380. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport his views on the proposal to make the BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) delivery drone zone over Cork City permanent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12019/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, is responsible for the regulation of Irish airspace and ensuring it is used safely and efficiently. To achieve this, the IAA certifies Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), who manage specific areas of airspace designated to them for the provision of services such as Air Traffic Control (ATC). Any aircraft operating in the control zone is subject to entry conditions. AirNav Ireland manages access to Cork ATC control zone.
The IAA and AirNav Ireland are independent State bodies that are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and balancing the needs of all airspace users.
I understand the AirNav Ireland has applied to the IAA requesting the establishment of a UAS Geographical Zone (UGZ) in the Cork Air Traffic Control Zone. A UGZ is a portion of airspace with specific rules for UAS/drone operations. There are already number of UGZ established for safety reasons in Irish airspace and these are regularly reviewed.
Currently, below certain heights, a UAS/drone pilot may operate in the Cork ATC control zone without seeking an entry permission from AirNav Ireland. With the introduction of the new UGZ, a pilot must coordinate, in advance, with Cork ATC by submitting a form to AirNav Ireland. This is required to ensure the safety of all UAS/drones operations within the Cork ATC control zone.
The request for the establishment of a UGZ is on foot of an application to AirNav Ireland from a drone delivery company to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations within the Cork Control Zone. The proposed UAS Geographical Zone will allow routine BVLOS operations in Cork City to continue while maintaining a high level of safety. The IAA has initiated a public consultation on the proposal for a permanent UGZ over Cork City and is seeking input from aviation stakeholders and airspace users in the Cork Air Traffic Control Zone.
Maintaining the highest standards of safety in Irish aviation continues to be the priority objective of Irish aviation policy.
