Two State documents set out how drone airspace should be managed in Ireland. Both make clear that a transparent, public process must come before any new commercial drone corridor is designated. That process has not been built. Corridors are being granted anyway.
Source: gov.ie — National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The 2026 Implementation Action Plan, published by the Department of Transport, sets out exactly when the transparent process is supposed to be built. Read it carefully:
Establish the Working Group. Determine membership. Begin Terms of Reference.
Develop "transparent processes & procedures for the establishment of UAS Geographical Zones for environmental and privacy reasons."
Working Group submits proposal for legislative impact analysis and approval.
Action 3 — actually requesting zones in line with the new process — "to commence in 2027."
While the working group is still being assembled, the IAA has already designated commercial drone corridors:
Designated specifically for Manna over Blanchardstown and surrounding residential areas. Approved with no transparent public process. No public consultation. No appeal mechanism.
A second geographical zone designated for Manna in Cork. Granted before the National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones had even agreed Terms of Reference.
"Work has been underway to review UAS geographical zones ahead of the establishment of the National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones."
— Implementation Action Plan 2026, "Actions in 2025" section
The Irish Aviation Authority is the body designating these zones. It is not funded by the State. It is funded by its regulatory clients — including the drone operators it regulates, such as Manna.
The IAA granted a further zone for Manna in Cork while the working group meant to govern that kind of decision had yet to show visible progress. We think it is fair to ask how that timing sits.
Many of the safeguards — fixed charge offences, inter-agency enforcement, training for An Garda Síochána — are not scheduled to be in place until late 2026 or 2027, after the planning permission for the Blanchardstown Manna base expires in August.
No new UAS Geographical Zones over residential areas until the National Working Group has published agreed transparent procedures.
Subject Zone U97 and the Cork zone to retrospective public consultation under the same procedures.
Legislate a clear right for residents to exclude routine commercial drone overflight of homes and gardens.
State funding for the regulatory function, removing the structural conflict where the IAA is paid by the operators it oversees.
Independent monitoring of noise, route density and cumulative exposure — published openly.
Fixed charge offences, inter-agency mechanisms and Garda training operational before any further expansion.