The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), in cooperation with Ireland’s national police, has successfully brought a prosecution with respect to a drone security occurrence in March 2024, and safety incidents at a Snow Patrol concert at Thomond Park, Limerick City, which took place in July 2024.
The defendant, Mr. Krzysztof Luszczki, pleaded guilty to operating a drone over 120m and within a prohibited area without authorisation. Following trial, he was additionally found guilty of operating a drone beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), and at an unsafe distance from assemblies of people, without authorisation. Judge Catherine Ryan ordered the defendant to pay a fine of EUR 4,000 and a contribution towards costs of EUR 1,000.
Luszczki was known to the IAA and despite his experience as a drone pilot, he did not have the correct authorisation to operate a drone within the prohibited airspace, nor to fly the drone over 120m, BVLOS, or close to assemblies of people at the concert.
“His actions posed a potential security risk and a safety risk to the people attending the concert,” the IAA said in a statement. “Flying in close proximity to assemblies of people is considered a particularly high-risk activity, as those under the drone cannot safely move away if the drone malfunctions. Flying BVLOS and above 120m without the appropriate training or safety mitigations has the potential to endanger manned aircraft in flight.”
The incident was reported by a member of the public and the national police, who advised the IAA.
The prosecution comes as the IAA launches its Christmas ‘Drone Safely’ campaign, supported by Drone Innovation Partnership and Dublin City Council. The campaign reminds those who may be getting a drone for Christmas that they must register as an operator with the IAA and be aware of the rules before flying.
“Drone use is on the rise and the number of drones and operators registered in Ireland has risen exponentially over the past number of years,” the IAA said. “Safety is paramount, and since 2021 the IAA has registered over 9,200 drone operators and trained over 26,000 drone pilots. Consumers who fly a drone that has a camera or weighs more than 250g, are legally required to register as a drone operator. Drone safety is the responsibility of the operator, including control of the drone, awareness of airspace restrictions and compliance with the law.”
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