Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As always, we have to look at both the protection of the State but also civil protection issues.

In the context of Dublin Airport, this issue was the subject of considerable publicity recently. The Government decided to appoint the DAA to purchase and deploy a counter-drone technology solution at Dublin Airport. This is an interim response, initiated by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, to the risks posed by illegal drone use at Dublin Airport. I am advised that the DAA now has a drone detection system in place. It is being used to support enforcement activity, and I understand that a number of cases are before the courts. The deployment of counter-drone technology at Dublin Airport is a complex operation. The technology needs to be deployed and operated safely. The DAA is engaging extensively with the relevant safety regulators, the Irish Aviation Authority and the Commission for Communications Regulation. I am advised that testing of the procured equipment has been recently completed and that the process to ensure it can be safely operated at the airport is now well-advanced.

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