There are no longer any imminent plans for delivery drone operations in Dublin Rathdown.
For many residents, particularly in and around Dundrum, this brings to a close a period of uncertainty. Over the past year and a half I have had a steady stream of contact from people concerned about noise, privacy and what overhead delivery traffic would mean for the character of their estates and the quality of life in their homes.
In August last year, I convened a public meeting bringing the operator and over 200 residents together. I want to thank everyone who turned out and everyone who contacted me before and since. The community clearly voiced their concerns that the technology in its current guise was not compatible with the density and residential amenity of estates here.
In recent months the operator has indicated it is concentrating its expansion elsewhere and I am sure they will continue to successfully develop the technology.
In terms of future drone operations, the Government has published a framework for the development of rules and regulations around the operation of drone services. The Irish Aviation Authority and Department of Transport are working to give local authorities such as Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) a formal say in deciding where drones can and cannot fly in their areas.
In addition, a blueprint for how drone traffic would be managed in the skies above us is being developed in line with wider European rules, and on the spot fines will be a feature of enforcement of these rules.
The plan gives us a foundation and the focus now moves to how to apply it locally. I will be engaging directly with the Minister and the Department as that work progresses, to make sure DLRCC has a real say over what flies above our homes. If the potential for drone delivery resurfaces here, I want to ensure that the ground rules are agreed in advance, with residents fully consulted before any decisions are made.
Please contact me for more information on (01) 969 2020 or shay.brennan@oireachtas.ie.