Planning Issues
Dail Éireann — 2026-06-24
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Seán Canney (IND), Galway East

Implementation of the policy framework is tracked and reported on through a series of annual action plans and progress reports. An implementation action plan for 2026, which sets out actions and corresponding timelines, is available on the Government's website. It is important for the public to know that.
I am aware that the rapid pace of expansion of UAS operations has resulted in challenges and generated real concerns and uncertainty among communities, as the Deputy explained, particularly around the issues of noise, intrusion and privacy. The policy framework seeks to identify and address any policy regulatory or legislative gaps. The framework proposes a number of structures and actions to address concerns in relation to UAS usage and operations. It proposes 16 actions under three main areas: the use of airspace and planning; compliance and enforcement; and enterprise and innovation. Actions in the policy framework include the establishment of a national working group on UAS geographical zones to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of these zones; the safe management of the integration of UAS into our airspace; the impact on society and the environment; the establishment of a national u-space steering group to develop a national plan for the implementation of the u-space; a set of specific procedures designed to ensure safe and efficient access to and coexistence in airspace for the high volume of UAS; and the establishment of a UAS enterprise and innovation leadership group to foster the development of a robust ongoing policy on innovation.
Implementation of the policy framework relies on cross-governmental structures, and the continuation of engagement and support from various Departments, agencies, the UAS sector and most importantly the public. I encourage the public to keep engaging on this particular matter. I again thank the Deputy for raising such an important matter.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-06-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:06+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-24