National policy framework on drones is not only belated but inadequate
National policy framework on drones is not only belated but inadequate - The Labour Party
- New framework lags behind unrestricted expansion of drone delivery services
Labour Dublin West Cllr John Walsh has raised serious concerns over the long awaited national policy framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, which was launched today by Government.
Cllr Walsh said:
“Firstly, the national policy framework is long overdue. The Government has been stalling on this framework for three years since 2022 and in the meantime a drone delivery company has been allowed to run an unrestricted fast food delivery service without any community consultation or input in Dublin 15.
“The public consultation for this strategy was ludicrous – only 50 responses to a public consultation is derisory and suggests that the consultation was a box ticking exercise. Every stakeholder seems to have had their say, other than members of the public who will be directly impacted by commercial drone flights.
“Unfortunately, the Government response to the increasing importance of drone technology is not only belated but inadequate. The national policy framework is strongly focused on promoting commercial opportunities for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), namely drones and pays only lip service to genuine public concerns. The Government strategy, which envisages a series of working groups to look at key issues further, has barely left the drawing board and lags woefully behind the aggressive expansion of drone companies.
“The national policy framework places a very strong emphasis on the economic and commercial benefits of UAS, but there are hardly any specifics at all on how to address excessive noise from drones, how to manage unrestricted frequency of flights by drone companies and how to monitor the environmental impact of drones, especially in relation to wildlife.
“Over 1300 residents in Dublin 15 have signed a community petition calling for robust, transparent regulation of drones and restrictions on the ability of drone delivery companies to monopolise the skies over people’s homes.
“Genuine community concerns about noise, intrusion on privacy and environmental impact should be at the forefront of the debate. No further expansion of drone delivery services should be permitted before a safe, sustainable UAS traffic management system is fully established and independent research is conducted to assess the impact of drones in terms of noise, privacy and the environment.
“‘The framework notes that ‘Concerns in respect of privacy, safety, security, and the environment (including noise) will need to be mitigated in order to support societal acceptance of a UAS services sector in Ireland.’
“Surely this approach puts the cart before the horse – meaningful action to prevent noise pollution, address concerns about privacy and monitor environmental impacts should come before the development of a UAS services sector, rather than engaging in mitigation after drone delivery services have already been introduced. A genuine commitment to democratic and community consultation is needed and local communities should be able to secure dedicated no fly zones within any proposed UAS geographical zones.”