Concerns raised over possible return of drone deliveries to Cork city

Cork city councillors have expressed concern about the possibility of unpopular drone delivery services resuming, despite the fact that a working group to establish regulations has not had its first meeting yet.

A spokesperson for Deliveroo confirmed that the company was “exploring the possibility of bringing a drone delivery service back to Ireland”, but said they had no details around locations, operators, or timings to share at this time.

“Before commencing any potential commercial operations, we would consult with regulators, councils, and communities to hear their views and ensure all necessary permissions are in place.”

Drone operator company Manna, which ran a pilot in Cork city operating from the Marina, has said it has “no plans to resume commercial drone deliveries” in Ireland.

More than 600 Cork city locals had submitted concerns about privacy, noise, and environmental impact to an Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) consultation.

Manna announced in June that it would be “strategically pausing” all its delivery operations in Ireland, over “the absence of a clear national policy framework” and “uncertainty around the planning and infrastructure requirements”.

Planning enforcement file

Cork City Council opened a planning enforcement file on Manna’s drone landing area last May, but said it had no power over the company’s operations in the sky, only its base, as the IAA regulates airspace.

The same month, IAA representatives told councillors that they could only deal with the safety of drone operations, but that a working group on concerns such as noise and privacy was being established.

A spokesperson for IAA told Labour councillor Peter Horgan last month that this national working group was still in the process of being set up, and that once in place will operate in an advisory capacity, and will not replace the statutory responsibilities of the IAA. They said that invitations to the organisations proposed for participation were “expected to issue shortly”, and arrangements for the inaugural meeting were being co-ordinated.

Mr Horgan said that “the rules cannot be written while companies are already preparing to operate”, adding that residents’ concerns about noise, privacy, the impact on residential areas, and the lack of meaningful consultation “have not disappeared”.

“It is extraordinary that we are once again hearing about the potential return of commercial drone deliveries when the national working group tasked with developing the necessary policy and procedures has not even been established or met."

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy said: “The national working group by the Irish Aviation Authority on noise and privacy needs to be set up as soon as possible.

“I remain concerned on the elements on privacy and noise and the impact on the environment.”