Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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49. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person or body that currently regulates commercial drone operations in Ireland; the way in which the regulator is ensuring compliance; the process by which residents can complain to the regulator if the operator is not adhering to current regulations; the actions the regulator can take in cases of non-compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22019/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The regulation of both the recreational and commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS - drones) is provided for under European Union regulations that are directly applicable in Ireland. The EU drone regulations are implemented and overseen by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) under its remit as the national Civil Aviation Authority.

Commercial drone delivery services are covered by EU drone regulations, Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, Regulation (EU) 2019/947, and Regulation (EU) 2019/947. Such operations are closely regulated and fall into the medium risk “specific” category, which requires specific authorisation by a civil aviation authority, the IAA in Ireland. 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.

In line with Article 18 of Reg (EU) 2019/947 the Authority has developed a Risk-Based Oversight system which includes audits and inspections of Operators, Remote Pilots, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Secondly, through investigations the Authority also examines all reported incidents of non-compliance.

In the cases of non-compliance, the IAA have different situation-specific recourse methods:

• Following an audit a non-compliance report may be issued. The operator / remote pilot must then provide a root cause analysis, corrective action plan to close the non-compliance, and target date, all to be agreed with the Authority.
• Suspension or revocation of certificates, licenses, and / or authorisations following audit or investigation.
• Prosecution following audit or investigation.