Enhanced technology could be used to detect drones around Dublin Airport following several incidents over the bank holiday weekend.
Government ministers met with the daa, the Irish Aviation Authority, the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána this evening to discuss the presence of drones in the airspace. It caused disruption to flights over the weekend as they were stopped to ensure safety to passengers and crew.
Ministers condemned the use of drones in the critical airspace. Under Irish law drones are banned within 5km of Dublin Airport.
Read more: Dublin Airport: Drones stop flights again as perpetrators slammed
Measures including introducing "enhanced technological solutions" and updated policy framework are currently under consideration. According to the Department of Transport, summary proceedings and proceedings on indictment can be brought under civil aviation legislation and the criminal code with the possibility of sentences of up to seven years on conviction.
The statement said: "At an operational level, all the relevant bodies have committed to working together to ensure a rapid and effective response to such incidents. daa have a drone detection system in operation that gives early warning of illegal drone activity and information garnered from this system is being used to pursue enforcement activity, including prosecution.
The Ministers will engage across Government to strengthen our ability to deal with such incidents, including exploring the potential for enhanced technological solutions. A policy framework for unmanned aircraft system (drones) is also in development and will include measures on enforcement and compliance. The policy framework is scheduled for publication in Q2 2023 and will be preceded by a period of public consultation."
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