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Irish Independent

More than 200 residents raise concerns over plans for Dundrum drone delivery site

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) has requested further information from Manna Drones Ltd after 215 residents raised concerns and observations, particularly about noise. A decision on Manna's plans to set up a drone delivery site in the area has now been put on hold while the company responds to local concerns. The company's planning application to DLRCC sought a five-year permission for drone operations close to main street, Dundrum. 'It's smack bang in the middle of Dundrum village, right beside Holy Cross Church,' local Green Party councillor Robert Jones said. 'It's near the old shopping centre and they're looking to use a piece of the car park there. 'One of the major things the residents are concerned about is that it's close to a place of worship. 'On either side you also have residential areas and schools. People are afraid that it'll disrupt their everyday lives. 'The council is making it clear that the community must be heard,' he added. DLRCC's Biodiversity Officer also noted that the planning application was ecologically inadequate. The officer's report said biodiversity in the area had been 'entirely overlooked' and that important information – including flight paths, drone volumes and ecological impact assessments – were missing. Cllr Jones said over 215 residents had sent in their observations. 'These are not minor technical gaps. The application fundamentally fails to address how this drone operation could affect residents, wildlife and sensitive habitats,' he said. DLRCC has asked Manna to review all third-party submissions and provide specific mitigation measures for the issues raised. Cllr Jones also demanded a response from Manna's CEO Bobby Healy. 'If Manna wants to be part of this community, they must come and talk to people on the ground, not just fly over them,' he said. 'Bobby Healy appeared at the Oireachtas Committee on Transport to address some things people are concerned about in terms of privacy and other areas. 'He had good answers. If he held a meeting with the people of Dundrum in the same way, it could help.' Earlier this year, Manna Air Delivery received an enforcement action from Fingal County Council for its drone operations in Dublin 15. Residents complained that the use of delivery drones was a 'noise nuisance' in the area. A spokesman for Fingal County Council said it had taken the action in July after its inspectors found that Manna Air Delivery was operating launch sites without planning permission. A spokesperson from Manna Air Delivery said: 'Our plans to fly in Dundrum are not imminent, and we will be providing all the information requested by the planning authorities. 'We have also engaged with local representatives to talk about the benefits Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can bring – to main street businesses, local residents, and in terms of reducing traffic.' Head of Regulation at Manna, Kevin Houston, added: 'We engage with local authorities for each site, as advised as appropriate by our external planning consultants and within the scope of the 2001 Planning Act, as can be seen by our Blanchardstown base and application in Tallaght. 'The majority of people in Dublin 15 have used the service and we have been delighted with the 2,268 positive messages in-app and via our letter of support we have received in the area.'