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Irish Independent

Food-delivery drones could require regulation, says Taoiseach

Drones have been permitted to carry out food delivery flights, leading to swarms over suburbs on weekends in particular as families order take-out. Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Northwest, said drones were operational in terms of food deliveries, "but obviously the application could be extended". "The issue was raised with me because it's a very unregulated area," he said, and there were issues with intrusion and safety. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government for drones to come under the newly established Air Navigation Division section of the Irish Aviation Authority. The issue of invasion of privacy, safety and noise nuisance from drone deliveries of fast food and even coffee, taking place in particular around west Dublin has been hotly debated on RTÉ Radio One's Liveline in recent days. Residents in his own area are concerned, Mr McAuliffe told the Dáil. "They have come to me, and it highlights the absence of regulation in this area. There are reasonable concerns around hours of work, the safety of the drones themselves, and how safe they are to fly above residential areas,' the TD said. He said his constituency bordered Dublin Airport and there was the question of the impact of the airport and boundaries. "It's an area where we shouldn't stifle innovation, but we should have regulations," he said. The Taoiseach said he "would be definitely inclined to agree, because this is an area of development." "We are all endeavouring to try and comprehend drones flying left, right, centre, performing various functions," Micheál Martin added. "It does raise the question of a regulatory framework to govern all of that, and a safety framework as well. I think that point is well made." He suggested a Dáil committee could take the matter up, examining all the issues in greater detail.