176. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the implementation of a framework (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48862/26]

179. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the actions contained in the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems published in August 2025 which have been implemented to date; the actions which remain outstanding; the target implementation date for each outstanding action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48993/26]

180. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government intends to introduce a statutory mechanism whereby residents, residents' associations and local authorities may make submissions on, object to, or seek operational restrictions in respect of routine commercial drone delivery operations over residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48994/26]

181. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the statutory rights residents currently possess to seek exclusion zones, geofenced areas or operational restrictions where routine commercial drone delivery operations give rise to concerns relating to residential amenity, noise, privacy or environmental impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48995/26]

207. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered establishing a statutory mechanism whereby communities may seek exclusion from routine commercial drone delivery operations, where significant concerns arise regarding residential amenity, privacy, environmental impacts or community acceptance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49241/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 179, 180, 181 and 207 together.

The rapid pace of drone innovation and commercialisation has created challenges and generated real concerns among communities. It has also required aviation regulators and local authorities to consider a new range of safety, security, environmental and privacy issues.

While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation safety perspective to regulate drone operations, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty. The expansion of commercial drone delivery services is an area where clarity is required in relation to roles and responsibilities and cooperation and engagement with stakeholders and appropriate authorities.

The Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, agreed by Government, and published last year, aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. It provides for a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing drone usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging drone sector.

The Policy Framework acknowledges the important role local authorities will play in the integration of drone technology into communities. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account.

The implementation of the Policy Framework relies on cross-government structures and the continuation of engagement and support from various departments, agencies, the drone sector and the public. Implementations is underway. The National UAS Policy Framework Monitoring Group was established earlier this year to support and monitor the overall progress of the implementation of the Policy Framework. Its membership comprises representatives of key stakeholders involved in leading and supporting implementation of Policy Framework actions.

The Monitoring Group held its first meeting in February. Implementation of the Policy Framework will be tracked and reported on through a series of annual action plans and progress reports. In the period following its meeting, the Monitoring Group agreed the Implementation Action Plan for 2026 which sets out tasks and timelines for 2026 associated with the implementation of actions set out in the Policy Framework. The Implementation Plan also provides a brief update on tasks undertaken in 2025 following the publication of the Policy Framework in August 2025. The Implementation Plan is available on the Government's website.

The Policy Framework contains actions to assist the planning community and local authorities to manage integration of drone technology into communities, and how to take local concerns on board. One such action is the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) supporting local authorities and planners to acquire the necessary aviation knowledge about drone technology, regulation and oversight. The IAA is providing this ongoing support where required. My department has been engaging with the LGMA representative on the Monitoring Group to further engage with representatives of local authorities in relation to the regulation of drones, the role of the IAA, and the actions of Policy Framework.

The IAA and officials from my department are holding an information session with the National Strategic Planning Unit in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to discuss how we might integrate and engage better on the implementation of the Policy Framework with regards to drones in our towns and cities. My department is continuing to engage with local authorities on these matters.

The Policy Framework also proposes the setting up of a national working group to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UAS Geographical Zones (UGZ) for the purposes of minimising safety risks, protecting privacy, addressing security issues, and dealing with environmental concerns. The Working Group, chaired by the IAA is due to be established shortly.