Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the national U-space steering group will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50443/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the establishment of an operative inter-agency mechanism for the coordination of appropriate investigation of offences related to unmanned aircraft systems; when he expects this mechanism to be fully established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50444/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the launch of education and awareness campaigns regarding compliance and enforcement, as outlined in the National Policy Framework for the unmanned aircraft systems sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50445/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the establishment of test sites for the unmanned aircraft systems sector; which organisations, bodies and groups will be eligible to avail of these test sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50446/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline on the launch of test sites for the unmanned aircraft systems sector as outlined in the National Policy Framework for the unmanned aircraft systems sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50447/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projected cost of a fully functional U-Space System, the total amount invested by his Department in the research and development of a U-Space system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50449/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the national working group on unmanned aircraft systems geographical zones will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50450/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

203. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he envisaged the role of the local authority with regard to planning and the unmanned aircraft systems sector, following the launch of the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50451/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 201, 202 and 203 together.

The National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems was published on 20 August 2025. The Policy Framework aims to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland, through supporting growth and innovation, while ensuring safe and secure operations and managing environmental and other concerns.

The Policy Framework proposes a number of structures and actions, including those that the Deputy is requesting an update on, that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing UAS usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging UAS sector.

It proposes 16 actions under three main areas:

1. The Use of Airspace and Planning
2. Compliance and Enforcement
3. Enterprise and Innovation

• A National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones will be established to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UAS Geographical Zones, the safe management of the integration of UAS into our airspace and the impact on society and the environment.
• A National U-space Steering Group will be established to develop a National Plan for the Implementation of U-space (a set of specific services and procedures designed to ensure safe and efficient access to, and coexistence in, airspace for a high volume of UAS)
• The Irish Aviation Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Data Protection Commission will work together to establish an operative inter-agency mechanism for the coordination of appropriate investigation of offences related to UAS.
• The Irish Aviation Authority will identify the requirements, timeline, and costs of U-space delivery programme.
• A collaborative approach will be fostered between local authorities, the Irish Aviation Authority and the UAS sector on education and awareness campaigns.
• The UAS sector, in conjunction with the Irish Aviation Authority, will establish and promote relevant test sites.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received any proposals for the creation of a mobile application to allow for members of the public to identify unmanned aircraft systems remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50448/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since 1 January 2024, the majority of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) must be equipped with a direct remote identification system. UAS broadcast over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth information such as their operator's registration ID, flight data and location. That information can be scanned by anyone with a mobile device using a variety of already available free mobile apps, that give members of the public real-time information about nearby UAS.

My Department has no role in the development and approval of such apps.