Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Rayana Zapryanova

Dublin Airport's new anti-drone technology is still weeks away

Dublin Airport's anti-drone technology is still a number of weeks away from being operational, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has said.

His department is working with the airport and aviation authorities to see what measures can be taken in the meantime to help prevent disruption. This comes following a number of disruptions at the airport after illegal drone activity, with the airport being "shut" six times in the last six weeks.

Speaking on RTE, Minister Ryan said equipment providers are being assessed for their effectiveness. He said: "There are a number of different equipment providers which we are assessing and we'll make sure that we get the right equipment. It will take a number of weeks. It won't be instantaneous."

Read more: Pair 'hijack cars' and lead gardai and Air Support on massive cross-county chase

Last night, three flights were diverted after the airport suspended operations for a half an hour following a confirmed drone sighting. 20,000 passengers were affected by the disruption, according to Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary - who then accused Mr Ryan of sitting on his hands.

He said: "What we need today is not legislation, we need the minister to authorise Dublin Airport to spend the €100,000, buy the electronic equipment which will disable these drones when they are identified and bring them down. We need that done today. We don't need a memo to Cabinet next Tuesday. What happens if the airport is shut again Saturday or Sunday?"

Dublin Live have contacted daa for comment.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.