Ireland has launched a National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which aims to guide high-level strategic development of the country’s UAS sector while ensuring that operations remain safe and secure and environmental and social concerns are managed.
“The Policy Framework recognises the importance of collaboration and engagement of a wide range of stakeholders. It was developed through cross-government engagement structures, and it is informed by public and industry consultation,” a Department of Transport statement said. “It aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities.”
The Policy Framework focuses on three main areas: the use of the airspace and planning, compliance and enforcement, and enterprise and innovation.
The Policy Framework states that Ireland is committed to ensuring that safe low-level airspace management for UAS operations is delivered with due consideration for cost and efficiency, and the impact on society, manned aviation, and the transport industry as a whole.
Safety and security remain Ireland’s first priority in the aviation sector. Compliance in UAS operations will be managed and efficient enforcement will be enabled. In addition, Ireland is committed to ensuring that sustainable and industry-led UAS sector development is supported with due consideration for societal concerns, efficiency and industry needs.
It is worth noting that the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) completed a full review of UAS geographical zones in relation to safety and security risks in January 2023 and continues to update them as required. The new Policy Framework states that a transparent process to allow state agencies, government departments and local government to determine and request UAS geographical zones be established by the Irish Aviation Authority should be put in place. “The process should include a continuous review process to ensure that airspace is not overly restricted and to take account of changing circumstances. The development of these procedures would benefit from the input of all relevant stakeholders.”
A Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones, led by the IAA, in collaboration with the Department of Transport, will be established to ensure all stakeholders’ views are considered and incorporated into a transparent procedure for establishing UAS geographical zones.
The IAA has already established a dedicated Airspace and U-space division that will work closely with the current UAS and Air Navigation Services Divisions on the establishment and oversight of UAS geographical zones and U-space. “Experience from other European states indicates that the implementation of U-space takes a minimum of two to five years depending on the complexity and number of potential designated U-space airspace blocks,” the Policy Framework states.
Successful implementation of the Policy Framework will depend on strong cross-government structures and ongoing engagement and support from various government departments, agencies, the UAS sector and the public.
The Department of Transport notes that the Policy Framework is a living document that will continue to evolve to keep pace with the evolution of the UAS sector internationally and be responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.
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