The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has brought its first prosecution against a drone operator for breaking European law. This prosecution is the first of its kind in Ireland for illegal use of a drone with potential for public safety risk, the Aviation Regulator. Diarmuid Ó Conghaile spoke of the need to ensure that public safety is maintained through the correct use of drones:
“As Ireland’s Aviation Regulator, the safety of the public is our priority. The onus is on those who operate drones to do so safely and within the scope of the law, which in this case is EU-wide and in force since the beginning of last year. Luckily no-one was injured in this instance and the operator has admitted he was at fault.
The use of drones is growing all the time, and whilst we can educate people on the safety aspects of their use, drone pilots must understand that these operations come with risk. Had this pilot undertaken the necessary training, this incident is unlikely to have taken place. Cooperation between the Gardai and the IAA is invaluable in ensuring the safety of the public when it comes to aviation, as was seen in this case.”
For more information visit:
www.iaa.ie
