Alan Farrell
Question:96. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to prevent drone incursions near airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21760/24]
View answerThursday, 16 May 2024
Questions (96)
Written answers
Following drone incidents that caused disruption at Dublin airport in early 2023, daa has put in place a range of additional measures to counter illegal drone use. This includes a re-examination and updating of its standard operating procedures when drones are detected, an upgrade to its drone detection systems, a review of the safety critical area at the airport and the deployment of a counter drone system. The counter drone system was deployed following a Government Decision on the matter and when the necessary approvals and licences were secured from the Irish Aviation Authority and ComReg. All relevant bodies at Dublin Airport now cooperate effectively to tackle illegal drone use and the disruption encountered in early 2023 has not been repeated. However, illegal drone use remains a threat to operations at Dublin Airport and measures are kept under review by the bodies concerned.
In relation to other airports, all airports in the State with commercial traffic are required to have procedures in place to deal with the safety risk posed by illegal drone activity. The procedures are developed in accordance with guidance on managing drone safety risk issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Safety critical areas are defined, and a risk assessment must be maintained at each of our airports as part of their certification by the Irish Aviation Authority. The maintenance of an active risk assessment and appropriate operating procedures are currently considered sufficient to deal with any potential drone risks at other airports in the State.