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."
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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.
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