Drone confusion in skies over Portlaoise with Irish Aviation Authority consulted

Drones over Portlaoise need to be regulated, as they can be used "for good or evil" a Laois councillor says.

The Laois county town has a no-fly zone over Portlaoise Prison Campus, but drones are "all we hear about" says Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Buggy.

The Portlaoise Municipal District representative is now asking the Irish Aviation Authority to give clear rules surrounding the use of unmanned aircraft systems or drones, to deliver goods in Portlaoise.

He set out his reasons, when tabling a motion with the request to the district's February meeting.

"Technology is advancing at a fast rate. Only a few years ago drones didn't exist. Now they are all we hear about, delivering drugs, taking pictures of monuments, to check damage to infrastructure, they are used in war zones to deliver bombs and carry out surveillance, as light displays instead of fireworks. Drones make deliveries to people's homes. Drones capable of carrying a person and possibly replacing cars in the not too distant future. They can be used for good or evil. 

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"European prime ministers have expressed concerns at the lack of anti-drone technology.  Clear guidelines are needed to ensure their appropriate use.

"Portlaoise has become a city in all but name, with a large population that are embracing modern technology. There are huge levels of traffic which can delay deliveries of food for example. 

"It is illegal to fly drones over or into prisons. We have a terrific hospital and drones could be used to deliver defibrillators to any part of Portlaoise in three minutes or less, they could be the difference to saving a life.

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"My aim is to flag with authorities in Dublin that there needs to be clear guidelines in towns with populations like Portlaoise, which ensures that their use in deliveries is respectful of people's privacy," he said.

Cllr Barry Walsh seconded the motion.

"I have no knowledge on this but I'll be interested to see the reply on the rules," he said.

Laois County Council are issuing the letter.