Cllrs: No drone deliveries without regulation

A number of Cork city councillors have raised concerns at plans announced by food delivery company Deliveroo that it is exploring the possibility of bringing its drone delivery service back to Ireland.

In a statement provided to the Cork Independent, a spokesperson for Deliveroo said: "We are exploring the possibility of bringing a drone delivery service back to Ireland.

"Before commencing any potential commercial operations, we would consult with regulators, councils, and communities to hear their views and ensure all necessary permissions are in place," they said.

However, they said that there were no formal plans or details to share at this time, including details on locations, operator, or timings.

In light of the announcement from Deliveroo, Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan, and Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy both expressed concern at the lack of progress made on the development of a national framework to regulate commercial drone delivery services.

Cllr Horgan said: "I have always said it is not about one company, it is about the lack of any framework and guidance for the operation of drones as a delivery unit, whether fast food or any other product.

"The community was very clear in this in the last experimental attempt and that has not changed.

"The complete lack of regulatory advancement should place a permanent halt on this idea," he said.

Cllr McCarthy said that he remains concerned on the elements of privacy and noise and the impact on the environment.

It is understood that a working group on drone policy has been established and met for the first time on 13 October, with a second meeting planned for 25 November.

Deliveroo previously operated drone deliveries in Dublin with drone company Manna.

Manna also operated drones from a hub in Marina Market in Cork city, which was established without first seeking planning permission from Cork City Council, as first reported in the Cork Independent.

The company faced numerous noise and privacy complaints from local residents, including a survey residents of the South East ward which found that 89% of respondents opposed the company's operations.

Manna received a cease and desist letter from Cork City Council over its Marina Market hub on 17 April this year.

The company announced that it was ceasing its Irish operations on 19 June.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.