Government stalls on Commercial Drone Policy Framework while inviting companies to operate here

• Commercial Drone Policy Framework was supposed to published in 2023 and yet we still have nothing.
• Wild west situation where communities are being used as a testing ground for commercial drones with no planning regulations with regards to privacy, security, and noise.
• Freedom on Information documents confirm that Ministers were on missions promoting Ireland as destination for drones without any planning regulation for communities.

Speaking in the Dáil today, Marie Sherlock, TD for Dublin Central, has called on the Government to urgently publish the Commercial Drone Policy Framework. This policy framework was due to be published in 2023. 

Deputy Sherlock said:

“The Department of Transport was supposed to publish a national policy framework on the use of commercial drones in 2023 and yet we still have nothing. We have a wild west situation in our communities where commercial drones are operating overhead with no planning regulations with regard to privacy, security, and noise. The Department must show some respect to the communities concerned and publish this policy framework as a matter of urgency.

“There has been significant work done since the inter-departmental steering group was established in 2021. Local authorities, An Garda Síochána, and the Data Protection Commissioner have been part of this process since then. A public consultation on the development of a policy framework took place early last year.

“Residents in Glasnevin have been raising genuine concerns with me. We know that this is also a significant issue in Blanchardstown too. It’s a sad reality that Government has been encouraging companies to operate here while treating our communities as guinea pigs. And yet, there are absolutely no protections in place beyond those set down by the Irish Aviation Authority.

“Freedom of information documents on Department of Transport briefings between 2022 and 2025 have confirmed to me that government ministers have been on trade missions in the Middle East and have attended international conferences promoting Ireland as a destination for the unmanned drone’s industry.

“Ministers have been highlighting that Ireland has “the edge” with “uncluttered airspace” and is a “prime UAS testing environment”. All at the cost of our local communities, who are left with far too few protections and who must grapple with the infringement of their privacy and peace.

“This is a case of profit first, communities later and is yet another example of Government being on a back foot when it comes to regulating emerging technology.

“Drones have the potential to bring groundbreaking improvements to some sectors such as health, but commercial drone use must be governed by proper planning regulations. The Commercial Drone Policy framework is absolutely essential to ensuring that there are clear protections in place for households and local communities. It should be published as a matter of urgency to give communities some reassurance. Anything less from the Department is unacceptable.”