National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) Published.
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 20 August 2025
- Last updated on: 20 August 2025
The policy will bring clarity to the future of the drone sector, facilitating collaborative engagement and enabling innovation
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien today launched a National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft System, commonly known as drones.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are accessible to a broad range of users, bringing innovation and opportunities in both commercial and public domains.
The rapid pace of UAS innovation and commercialisation has also created challenges. The Government, aware that the impact of a growing UAS sector needed further consideration, included in the Programme for Government a commitment to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland.
The publication of the Policy Framework is the first step in fulfilling that commitment. The Policy Framework aims to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland, through supporting growth and innovation, while ensuring safe and secure operations and managing environmental and other concerns.
Actions in the Policy Framework include:
- The establishment of a National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UAS Geographical Zones, the safe management of the integration of UAS into our airspace and the impact on society and the environment.
- The establishment of a National U-space Steering Group to develop a National Plan for the Implementation of U-space (a set of specific services and procedures designed to ensure safe and efficient access to, and coexistence in, airspace for a high volume of UAS).
- The Department of Transport will introduce fixed charge offences for infringement of UAS regulations to augment the already extensive enforcement provisions in aviation, civil and criminal law already on the statute book.
- The Irish Aviation Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Data Protection Commission will continue to work together to establish an operative inter-agency mechanism to enhance the collaboration and coordination of appropriate investigation of offences related to UAS.
“UAS present exciting opportunities for business and the public sector to boost productivity and improve service provision. In my own department, for example, the Irish Coast Guard use drones to support search and rescue operations. They can also create high-tech jobs and boost the economy across Ireland. At the same time, I am aware that the rapid pace of expansion of UAS operations has resulted in challenges and generated real concerns and uncertainty among communities.
The Policy Framework recognises the importance of collaboration and engagement of a wide range of stakeholders. It was developed through cross-government engagement structures, and it is informed by public and industry consultation. It aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities, including in the context of the expansion of commercial drone delivery services.”
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien
The second step in fulfilling the commitment in Programme for Government is the implementation of the Policy Framework.
“Implementation of the Policy Framework relies on cross-government structures and the continuation of engagement and support from various departments, agencies, the UAS sector and the public. Given the rapid pace of evolution of the UAS sector internationally, the Policy Framework will be a living document that will have to continue to evolve to keep pace with these developments.”
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien
UAS technology continues to evolve and innovate, presenting significant opportunities in both commercial and public domains. A UAS Enterprise and Innovation Leadership Group will be established to foster the development of a robust ongoing policy on innovation and commercialisation.
UAS are used as daily tools in areas such as inspections (pipeline, rail, wind turbine maintenance), agriculture, mapping, architecture, construction, real estate, energy, environment, meteorological applications and public safety.
Already in Ireland, UAS are being rolled out across services including emergency response (e.g. Dublin Fire Brigade for assessing risks and managing responses to risks), dangerous building and site inspections by local authorities (e.g. Dublin City Council), environmental monitoring (Environmental Protection Agency) and goods and medical delivery.
Since 2017, Dublin City Council (DCC) has been using UAS to monitor large scale capital projects for asset management, inspections and condition surveys. DCC use UAS to inspect historical buildings such as the Camden and Iveagh Markets, speeding up site inspections and reducing staff exposure to potentially hazardous conditions.
The Policy Framework recognises the role of local authorities, the Irish Aviation Authority and the UAS sector itself can play in fostering a collaborative approach to education, training, awareness and compliance with the existing comprehensive UAS European safety regulations that are directly applicable here in Ireland.