Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister and I are actively engaging with the DAA and other relevant State agencies on the recent incidents of illegal drone activity at Dublin Airport and on potential measures to deter any future activity of this nature. We received briefings from relevant bodies after both the St. Brigid's weekend incidents and the most recent incident on 21 February. We will continue to support the relevant authorities in investigating these incidents and, where appropriate, pursuing prosecutions. Through cross-government engagement, we will strengthen our ability to deal with such incidents, including working at pace on the potential deployment of enhanced technological solutions.

Dublin Airport has a drone detection system in place that gives early warning of illegal drone activity. Information gathered by this system is being used to pursue enforcement activity, including prosecution. Cases relating to illegal drone use at Dublin Airport are currently before the courts. Many of the counter-drone measures available are used primarily in the military realm and are not readily available or compatible with civil aviation operations. However, commercially available counter-drone systems are being actively examined. While a range of systems is available at present, there is no 100% effective technological solution when it comes to counter-drone measures. There are risks associated with destroying a drone and also issues with the use of radio and signal jamming equipment at an airport. Such risks have to be considered in deploying counter-drone technology, in consultation with the Irish Aviation Authority.

The Department is engaging with other relevant Departments to discuss issues relating to the deployment of counter-drone technology at Dublin Airport, including any legal and regulatory issues arising. The DAA is exploring commercially available counter-drone solutions used at airports in other jurisdictions with the support of relevant State agencies. I have directed that this work be progressed urgently.

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