Dublin City Council has launched its Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029, which aims to explore how the city utilises drone technology to enhance public services while understanding their future potential.
Increasingly drones are being applied across a range of city services helping to increase service efficiencies, reduce costs and streamline operations. Areas where drones are being applied within the Council include mapping, dangerous buildings inspections or emergency response. They are also being used to access to hard-to-reach areas for surveys and environmental monitoring, providing better oversight and management of urban spaces.
A new dedicated Drone Unit is being established in the Council to centralise drone operations and support internal departments to accelerate the adoption of the technology. This unit will build on existing capabilities and resources and maximise efficiencies across the Council. The unit will also play a role in supporting innovation in the drone industry by helping develop new services that benefit citizens and communities as the commercial sector grows.
The development of the Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy for Dublin City Council has been led through the Smart City programme which supports the council in future-proofing how new and emerging technologies are applied.
Eileen Quinlivan, Assistant Chief Executive and Chair of the DCC Drones High Level Steering Group of Dublin City Council, said; “This strategy marks a significant milestone for Dublin City Council. By embracing drone technology, we are not only enhancing our service delivery but also paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable city. Drones will revolutionise how we approach various tasks, from emergency response and infrastructure inspections to environmental monitoring and urban planning. The benefits for our staff and citizens are immense, and we are committed to ensuring that Dublin remains at the forefront of this urban innovation.”
Jim Gavin, Chief Operations Officer in the Irish Aviation Authority, said; “The Irish Aviation Authority is very supportive of public sector bodies developing drone strategies. We are delighted to support this initiative by Dublin City Council to develop their drone strategy where they will drive innovation and development in the drone sector.
“By harnessing the potential of drones, Dublin City Council is taking proactive steps to enhance public safety, improve efficiency, and foster economic growth. We believe that this initiative will pave the way for advancements in urban air mobility, benefiting both the public and the broader aviation industry.”
Julie Garland, Founder and CEO of Avtrain, who provided expertise and guidance on the Strategy emphasised the transformative potential of drones, said; “Drones are revolutionising how we think about urban mobility and public service delivery. Dublin’s strategy is a step towards a future where drone technology can improve our daily lives, enhance safety, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. By integrating drones into various city services, cities can streamline operations, reduce response times in emergencies, and provide more efficient monitoring of infrastructure and environmental conditions.”
Philip Butterworth-Hayes, principal consultant of PMI Media Limited, who advised DCC on the Strategy provided an international perspective, added; “Dublin’s approach to integrating drone technology into city services sets a new benchmark globally. The strategy’s focus on safety, efficiency, and public engagement is exemplary and will undoubtedly inspire other cities to follow suit. The efficiency gains from using drones for tasks such as infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and emergency response are significant, leading to cost savings and more effective service delivery. The strategy’s commitment to public engagement means that the community is actively involved and informed, fostering trust and collaboration.”
This strategy has been developed through extensive consultation with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that it aligns with Dublin’s unique needs and leverages the latest advancements in drone technology. The strategy also supports compliance with evolving European Union regulations and emphasizes public trust, safety, and privacy.
