Drone regulation
Deputy Lawless pressed for legislation on drones, citing airport disruption and his own Bill with safety and licensing provisions. The Taoiseach said existing rules were already robust and promised to alert the Minister to the Deputy’s concerns.
The issue of drones caused some consternation at Heathrow and Gatwick airports over Christmas. I note that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, convened a meeting during the break on the topic as well. Drones present many recreational and commercial opportunities but they also pose risks when used irresponsibly. I introduced legislation in 2017, two years ago now, dealing with many of these issues, including geotagging, georadar, fencing, licensing, registration and training.
If the Minister, Deputy Ross, or the Government wants to engage on this issue, there is legislation before the House which could be very usefully taken up and used by the Government.
Comment on this
As I understand, we already have quite robust legislation in this area, in that there is a 5 km exclusion zone around airports-----
Comment on this
-----and a drone of more than 1 kg must be registered. We have stronger laws than the UK has. Obviously enforcement is a different issue from laws. I am perhaps not as well briefed-----