19/01/2016

Drone Registration Campaign Begins

A national awareness campaign has been launched to let owners of drones over 1kg that they must now be registered with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

Minster for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, officially launched National Drone Registration Day at an event in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Drone registration is currently free in an effort to encourage early registration. A fee of €5 will be applicable from the beginning of February.

Minister Donohoe said: "Drone use is increasing exponentially in Ireland and nearly 1,200 have already been successfully registered with the IAA. The new register will help to safely integrate these small aircraft into the broader aviation system. The potential application for drones is truly incredible and the development of the drone industry in Ireland will have a very positive effect on the wider economy."

Mr Ralph James, IAA Director of Safety Regulation, added: "We are tremendously happy with the response to drone registration so far and would encourage those who have yet to register their drones to do so as soon as possible. Drones are an exciting new area of aviation and we are working with industry to ensure that they are used safely and do not interfere with other forms of aviation. It is the responsibility of all drone users to operate them in a safe manner and we would ask that they familiarise themselves with the rules, which are available on the IAA website."

(MH/LM)

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