Dublin Residents Demand Action as Drone Flights Surge Over Homes

UPDATE: Residents of Dublin 15 are urgently pushing back against a surge in drone flights over their homes, with reports of up to 50 drone flights daily disrupting their peace. Seamus Doyle, a local resident and member of the Drone Action D15 group, claims the chaos in the skies has reached an alarming level, especially during weekends and major sporting events.

Doyle, living near the drone hub at Coolmine Industrial Estate, stated, “I’ve counted over 12 drones flying close to our house in an hour.” The situation escalated to a community meeting on October 6, 2023, attended by 250 residents, where concerns about noise, privacy, and wildlife were voiced passionately.

Residents like Ann Marie O’Reilly reported feeling overwhelmed by the noise, comparing the sound to helicopters. “It’s chaos in the skies,” she said, recalling days when drones flew over her home 12 times in just a few hours. The disturbances are affecting children’s sleep and creating anxiety for families, particularly those with autism.

The controversy surrounds Manna Drones Ltd., which operates several delivery sites in the area. After the removal of a site in Clonsilla for unauthorized activity, the remaining sites on Old Navan Road and Junction 6 are under investigation by Fingal County Council. Local councillor John Walsh expressed frustration, stating, “It’s problematic that the company didn’t respect the planning system.”

While some residents support the drone delivery service, citing its efficiency and convenience, many others are deeply concerned about the impact on their quality of life. Gwen Schaarschmidt shared her experience, stating, “The noise is unbearable… they emit bright lights at night.” Despite Manna’s claims that their drones do not record footage, residents worry about their privacy as the drones hover overhead.

Next steps are critical. The council has introduced motions to regulate drone activities more strictly, emphasizing that community consultation must be prioritized. Residents are calling for immediate action to reassess drone flight paths and ensure local voices are heard in future decisions.

As this situation unfolds, the community remains on high alert, demanding a balance between technological advancements and their right to a peaceful living environment. The urgency of the matter is clear: local authorities must act swiftly to address these growing concerns or risk escalating tensions between residents and drone operators.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and its impact on Dublin 15 residents.