Delivery Drones: Irish Residents Complain About Noise
Dublin Residents Complain About Drone Delivery Noise
A drone delivery service in Dublin is facing backlash from residents who say the noise is disruptive. The Manna service, which operates in the Dublin 15 area, uses delivery drones to transport food and other items. However, some locals compare the sound to that of a tractor or helicopter, disrupting their peace and ability to work from home.
Since January 2024,Fingal County Council has received 25 complaints regarding the drone service,with 18 specifically about noise. Noel powell, an IT engineer, likened the experience to ”living close to a helicopter” and voiced privacy concerns about the drones’ cameras.
Manna’s drones, identifiable by their white color and flashing lights, operate from a base near Blanchardstown Shopping Center.The company claims deliveries are typically made in under three minutes, with drones flying at altitudes up to 70 meters and speeds reaching 80 km/h.
According to Manna, the drones’ cameras are solely for safety, activating only when hovering 14 meters above the delivery location to ensure a clear landing zone. A company spokesman stated that the cameras do not record, store, or transmit data, and that Manna complies with GDPR regulations. The company reports having made 170,000 deliveries in the Dublin 15 area and addressed nearly 80 complaints.
Séamus Doyle, a resident, said that even with living near a busy road, the drones are worse. Although Manna has excluded his property from overflights upon request, the drones still fly over his back garden wall. Ann-Marie, another resident, echoed concerns about the noise, stating it has a real impact on people.
It’s engaging technology that could be used for social good, but it’s for delivering takeaways
Despite the complaints, some residents appreciate the service. Kieran O’Sullivan, a Manna customer, finds the service “vrey easy” and prefers it to traditional delivery methods because the food arrives hotter and fresher. Ian Downes, CEO of Kahuna Pops, said the drone delivery system has been “absolutely unbelievable” for his ice lolly brand, citing positive customer feedback about the unique and exciting experience.
For kids’ parties,it’s quite exciting to see the drone coming and the delivery bag dropping down
Local politicians have also weighed in. Fine Gael Councillor Ted Leddy noted mixed community views, with initial shock evolving into concerns about safety and privacy. People Before Profit Solidarity Party councillor John Burtchaell reported a significant imbalance in feedback, with complaints outweighing positive comments by a ratio of 50:1. Labor Councillor John Walsh expressed concern about the “unrestricted use of delivery drones,” citing a recent incident involving a drone-delivered pipe bomb as exacerbating fears.
Walsh added, “There is a gaping hole where regulation should be…it’s like the wild west.”
Manna maintains it is ”regulated to the highest standards” by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and undergoes regular safety tests. An IAA spokesman said drone operation oversight is risk-based, with more complex operations requiring stricter safety measures.
What’s next
The Department of Transport is developing a new policy framework for drones, expected to be published in the coming months. manna plans to expand to more sites in Dublin and Cork by year’s end and welcomes further regulation.