Dundrum's drone delivery plans face a setback as the council demands more data and details
In a recent development, the proposed Manna drone delivery hub in Dundrum, Ireland, has encountered a delay in approval. This delay is due to South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council requesting additional information about the proposed hub's potential impact on noise levels and the local ecosystem [1].
The councils are seeking a detailed noise impact assessment, specifics about the proposed area and hours of operation, the number of drones expected to be in the air simultaneously, and proposed flight heights. Moreover, they have asked for assessments on the potential ecological impact on local wildlife and a transport assessment to look at ground traffic and trips [1].
The application for the Dundrum hub was lodged in June, with the proposed location being a car park to the rear of Holy Cross Church. Manna, an aviation-grade drone delivery service founded by entrepreneur Bobby Healy in 2018, operates under the scope of the 2001 Planning Act, as evidenced by their existing base in Blanchardstown and the Tallaght application [2].
The local authorities' concerns echo the broader community, as the Dundrum hub has faced local opposition. Concerns about noise, privacy, and potential safety issues from low-flying drones have been raised [2]. However, Manna has engaged with local representatives to discuss the benefits of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for main street businesses, local residents, and traffic reduction [3].
Manna's activities are regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority, and any safety incidents are investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Unit. Despite approximately 150 complaints made to Manna since it began operating in Blanchardstown around 18 months ago, Manna has completed over 170,000 deliveries in Ireland and delivers to 37,000 households in Blanchardstown [4]. A letter of support signed by over 400 residents has been sent to public representatives in the Dublin 15 area [5].
Kevin Houston, head of regulation at Manna, has stated that the plans for operation in Dundrum are not imminent, and they will provide all the requested information to the planning authorities [6]. Manna has six months to submit the additional information [1].
As for the Tallaght hub, no explicit update was provided in the recent reports, but similar scrutiny can be inferred given the context.
References: 1. Irish Times 2. TheJournal.ie 3. Silicon Republic 4. BBC News 5. The Irish Post 6. Irish Examiner
The local councils have requested a detailed analysis of the proposed technology's potential impact on noise levels and the local ecosystem, citing concerns about noise, privacy, and safety. Manna, which operates under the 2001 Planning Act, is expected to provide additional information about their technology within the next six months.
