Government “trying to bury head in sand” over drone regulations, says Walsh

Labour councillor John Walsh has called for the government to regulate drone deliveries.

A petition launched by Walsh and fellow Labour councillor Mary McCalmey has reached over 1,200 signatures, as local unease at drone delivery services has picked up traction.

Walsh said, “in the absence of national legislation, the rapid rollout of this service is having a damaging impact on the quality of life for local communities.

With the petition picking up over 1,200 signatures in a matter of weeks, the Castleknock councillor said the petition speaks to the anxieties of local residents.

“This shows the level of concern among local communities in Dublin 15, who have direct experience of the unrestricted expansion of a drone delivery service which is not adequately regulated either at local or national level.”

Walsh accused the government of “burying its head in the sand” over the issue.

“The IAA has made clear that it has no role in addressing nuisance to residents or regulating frequency of drone flights; that leaves a major legal loophole,” he warned.

“The reality is that drones are now flying over family homes every day in Dublin 15 with no national guidance, inadequate privacy safeguards, and no restriction on the frequency of flights.’

The Labour councillor said the issue was not just limited to Dublin 15, arguing that it is a matter of national importance.

“National regulation has dramatically lagged behind new technology here. A professional in the field told me that it is as easy to buy a drone as a toaster, and yet there are no national rules for drones or the drone delivery service, even as attempts are being made to expand drone deliveries.”

“Fundamentally, we have seen deliberate inaction and foot-dragging by the government here – the Department of Transport has been allowed to stall a new planning framework for drones for almost three years.”

“That is why I and my Labour colleagues launched the ‘Our Skies, Our Say’ petition to demand action from the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien,” he explained.

Walsh said that the government “must listen to local communities in Dublin 15 and introduce consistent, transparent regulation of drone technology and protect our communities.”

“I am calling on the government to step up, regulate this sector properly, and make sure our communities are heard.”