Drone users face fines of up to €500 under new Government rules
These new fixed-charge offences were announced by transport minister Darragh O'Brien, who published the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
While final amounts for the penalties have yet to be set, fines for minor offences are expected to range from €300 to €500.
'The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), often referred to as drones, has for commercial and other purposes, grown exponentially over the past decade,' Mr O'Brien said.
He noted that drones have provided 'significant opportunities' to businesses and the public, but challenges have also arisen due to their widespread use.
In particular, Mr O'Brien highlighted concerns within communities about 'noise, intrusion and privacy.'
In recent years, drone delivery technology has expanded, particularly in Dublin through companies like Manna. Concerns have grown about the noise impact of these services.
Manna has also signalled its intention to expand into Cork, stating in March that an announcement would be made soon.
The document acknowledges noise as a key public concern, noting that issues around safety and privacy must be addressed 'in order to support societal acceptance of a [drone] services sector in Ireland'.
It adds that noise is especially problematic in urban areas.
'The noise emitted from [drones] does not resemble the noise of contemporary transportation vehicles and, although it may not be louder than ambient transport-related noise, its different character may disturb residents even in noisy urban environment,' it says.
The framework also outlines the establishment of a new working group on drone 'geographical zones,' designed to bring more transparency to decisions on where drones can and cannot operate.
This will allow State agencies, departments and local authorities to submit requests to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to create specific zones where drones are either permitted or prohibited.
'The process should include a continuous review process to ensure that airspace is not overly restricted and to take account of changing circumstances,' the policy reads.
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