Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputies Gannon and Coppinger for raising this important issue. It is one that will become more prevalent. For many of us who live in areas adjacent to airports, it is an ongoing issue. I apologise on behalf of the Minister, Deputy O’Brien. I am taking this question for him this morning.

From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of both the recreational and commercial use of drones, or unmanned aircraft systems as they are technically called, is provided for under European Union regulations that are directly applicable in Ireland. I have listened to the concerns outlined by both Deputies and will bring them back to the Department.

The IAA is working with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and other member states in developing guidelines and regulations on drone noises. Two drone-specific EU regulations ensure drone operations across Europe are safe and secure, namely, EU Regulation 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/947. Both set out common rules for the regulation of drone operators including training, licensing and registration. The points by Deputies Gannon and Coppinger about the persistent noise and privacy are ones that we should listen to carefully because they are being articulated by many people. We are all in favour of innovation. I hope a solution will be found. I will relay Deputy Gannon’s comments about the residents he has met.

Regulation 2019/947 sets out operational rules that apply to both professional drone operators and those flying drones for leisure. Regulation 2019/945 sets the common EU-wide technical requirements for drones, including the features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely. This regulation also seeks to foster investment and innovation in this sector through a harmonised framework across the European Union.

The aim of the EU drone regulations is to achieve the same level of safety for drone operations as in manned aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority, the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation of the EU drone regulations and standards. The drone regulations are operation-centric and focus on the risk of drone operations, such that regulation is lighter on low-risk operations and more demanding on higher risk operations. Under the EU regulatory regime, drone operations are classified into three broad categories - open, specific and certified - with different regulatory considerations applied in each category. Commercial drone operations may fall into any one of the categories depending on the risk associated with the operation. Low-risk commercial drone operations, such as aerial photography, may fall into the open category where the regulation and oversight of operations are lighter. Other commercial drone operations, such as the drone delivery operations mentioned by Deputy Coppinger, are more closely regulated. These type of commercial drone operations may fall into the medium-risk “specific” category, which may require specific authorisation by the IAA. I agree with Deputy Coppinger; there must be other ways of carrying out home delivery. I completely concur with her on that matter.

This type of authorisation is recognised in all EU member states. To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio, which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations. These might include, for example, co-ordination with air traffic control or fitting the drone with a parachute and flight termination system.

At a national level, SI 24/2023, Irish Aviation Authority (Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)) Order 2023, came into force on 2 February 2023, replacing an earlier drones order. It states the investigative and enforcement powers of the IAA and provides for arrangements between An Garda Síochána and the IAA in respect of enforcement of EU drone regulations. It also includes a section on privacy rights, which draws the attention of drone operators to preparing a data protection impact assessment where required in accordance with the EU general data protection regulation. That is about ensuring the points made by Deputy Coppinger are fulfilled and complied with.

I will bring the Deputies’ comments back to the Department. It is important we have privacy, protect wildlife and ensure the regulations are upheld.

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