Dublin City Council launches first ever Drone Strategy

Dublin City Council has launched its first ever inaugural Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy.

The plan aims to revolutionise the city’s use of drone technology to augment public services whilst also exploring future capabilities. Drones have increasingly been used in a number of city services, enhancing efficiency, diminishing costs and simplifying processes.

Within Council operations, drones are employed across various sectors including mapping, inspective precarious buildings or used during emergency response. They have also proved practical in accessing difficult-to-reach areas for environmental monitoring and surveys, thus optimising management and overview of urban locations.

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Assistant Chief Executive and Chair of the Drones High Level Steering Group Eileen Quinlivan said: “This strategy marks a significant milestone for Dublin City Council. By embracing drone technology, we are not only enhancing our service delivery but also paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable city.

“Drones will revolutionise how we approach various tasks, from emergency response and infrastructure inspections to environmental monitoring and urban planning. The benefits for our staff and citizens are immense, and we are committed to ensuring that Dublin remains at the forefront of this urban innovation.”

The local authority is setting up a dedicated Drone Unit to centralise drone operations and support internal departments in adopting the technology. The unit will build on existing capabilities and resources, maximising efficiencies across the council.

It will also play a role in supporting innovation in the drone industry by helping develop new services that benefit citizens and communities as the commercial sector grows.

Jim Gavin, Chief Operations Officer at the Irish Aviation Authority, said: “The Irish Aviation Authority is very supportive of public sector bodies developing drone strategies. We are delighted to support this initiative by Dublin City Council to develop their drone strategy where they will drive innovation and development in the drone sector.

“By harnessing the potential of drones, Dublin City Council is taking proactive steps to enhance public safety, improve efficiency, and foster economic growth. We believe that this initiative will pave the way for advancements in urban air mobility, benefiting both the public and the broader aviation industry.”

Dublin City Council’s Smart City programme has been at the forefront of developing the Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy, aiming to future-proof the application of new and emerging technologies. The initiative is set to bolster Dublin’s economy by creating a dynamic drone technology ecosystem that could attract fresh businesses and establish Dublin as a frontrunner in this cutting-edge industry.

Julie Garland, the Founder and CEO of Avtrain, who lent her expertise to the development of the Strategy, highlighted the game-changing impact of drones: “Drones are revolutionising how we think about urban mobility and public service delivery.

“Dublin’s strategy is a step towards a future where drone technology can improve our daily lives, enhance safety, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. By integrating drones into various city services, cities can streamline operations, reduce response times in emergencies, and provide more efficient monitoring of infrastructure and environmental conditions.”

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