Gatwick copycat drone attack could be halted quicker in Irish airspace – say aviation experts

Aviation officials are confident a copycat drone attack similar to the one that grounded flights in Gatwick last week could be halted more quickly in Irish airspace. They say the location of Irish airports means it is easier to shoot down or tackle rogue objects here than it is in the UK.

It comes after a spate of flight cancellations in the UK following sightings of drones near Gatwick Airport amid concerns they could interfere with planes during take-off and landing.

Sources told the Sunday Independent that it would be easier to manage such a situation in Ireland because the environments around Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports are not as built up as at Gatwick.

Officials in the UK expressed a reluctance to shoot down drones last week because of fears about stray bullets.

“That would be less of an issue here,” one source told the Sunday Independent. “The areas around our airports are very different to cases in the UK, especially Gatwick, where there is nearby housing and concern about where drones or bullets may land.

“Our airports are a little bit more isolated so that would certainly make it easier to tackle such an incident here.”

The sources also pointed to the fact there is more stringent regulation of drones in Ireland, with the country leading the way in regulating and registering the devices.

A 2015 law means that any drone weighing 1kg or more must be registered. Aligned with this is a regulation that any aircraft capable of reaching an altitude of 50 feet must also be registered, regardless of weight.

The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order governing the use of small unmanned aircraft in Ireland also prevents drones from being used within 5km of an aerodrome or controlled airspace.

The Irish Aviation Authority said it proactively promoted the safe use of drones and had participated in a number of safety initiatives across the State with key stakeholders.

“Illegal use of drones can be reported to An Garda Siochana for investigation,” a spokesman said.

“Penalties for the illegal operation of drones are a matter for judiciary following prosecution.”

Dublin Airport Authority said it also participated in drone awareness schemes, but would not discuss the issue of drones entering its airspace.

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