Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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143. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress on the implementation on the national policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51874/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I launched the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems 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.

Many of the issues addressed in the Policy Framework fall directly within the remit of the Department of Transport, while other issues cross-over into areas of responsibility of other government departments and agencies. The Policy Framework was developed through cross-departmental engagement structures, and it will also be implemented through similar structures.

The Policy Framework proposes a number of structures and actions, 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:

• The Use of Airspace and Planning
• Compliance and Enforcement
• Enterprise and Innovation

• The establishment of a National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones group to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UAS Geographical Zones.
• The establishment of a National U-space Steering Group chaired by my department to develop a National Plan for the Implementation of U-space.
• 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.
• A collaborative approach will be fostered between local authorities, the Irish Aviation Authority and the UAS sector on education and awareness campaigns.
• National, regional, and local planning policies and objectives will have due regard to new disruptive technology.
• The establishment of a UAS Enterprise and Innovation Leadership Group to foster the development of a robust ongoing policy on UAS innovation.
• My department will introduce fixed charge offences for infringement of UAS regulations to augment the already extensive enforcement provisions in aviation, civil and criminal law already on the statute book.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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144. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consultation he will have with residents regarding regulations for unmanned commercial delivery drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51875/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation safety perspective to regulate UAS commercial operations, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty.

The Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems I launched in August seeks to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps that may have arisen due to increased expansion of drone operations. Many of the issues addressed in the Policy Framework fall directly within the remit of the Department of Transport, while other issues cross-over into areas of responsibility of other government departments and agencies.

The expansion of UAS delivery services is an area where clarity is required in relation to roles and responsibilities and cooperation and engagement with stakeholders and appropriate authorities. The Policy Framework aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. It proposes a number of structures and actions 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. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account.