Manna to cease operations in Cork
Drone delivery operator Manna, which has been operating a delivery hub from Cork’s Marina Market since February this year, has announced that it will shortly be ceasing its Irish operations.
The company said that it has taken the decision due to “uncertainty around the planning and infrastructure requirements needed to support commercial drone delivery at scale”.
The company said that it will be continuing its operations in the US and UK, and expects to be granted full authorisation to operate in the United Arab Emirates later this year.
Manna’s Cork operations have faced pushback from local residents over noise complaints.
In March, the Cork Independent reported that Manna’s operation in the Marina Market was set up without first seeking planning permission.
In May, an enforcement file was opened by Cork City Council regarding the development, and is currently ongoing.
Manna has not indicated an exact date for the ceasing of its operations in Cork, however, the company has stressed that the decision is a “pause”.
“The company remains confident that drone delivery can play an important role in Ireland and would welcome the development of an appropriate national policy and planning framework to support the sector’s future growth.
“The company also remains ready to work with the Irish Government, the Irish Aviation Authority and other local bodies to help shape the National Drone Framework,” said a statement.
Bobby Healy, the company’s founder, said in a post on X: “Don’t worry everyone. We will be back. We just need some clarity around policy and planning to proceed”.
He said that Manna will continue to operate its research and development, and manufacturing teams in Ireland.
Manna has faced repeated setbacks in its Irish operations. A number of its bases in Dublin have been shut down by local authorities, the latest in Coolmines being shut down by Fingal County Council after being refused planning permission retention.
Customers in Cork will be notified directly through the Manna app and by email, according to a spokesperson.