Drone Services in Dublin
Drones Surveys in Dublin
Much of the work we carry out is within Dublin City and surrounding areas. These areas offer many opportunities for drones and also many challenges that we help our customers overcome.
What are the challenges of working in Dublin?
There are several significant challenges when it comes to operating drones in Dublin
- Population Density
- Restricted Airspace
- Prohibited Airspace
- Sensitive Areas
- Special Areas of Conservation
What permissions are required to provide Drone Services in Dublin?
With the introduction of the EASA Drone Regulations, drone service providers operate in two main categories: the Open Category and the Specific Category.
The Open Category is restricted in many parts of Dublin, some areas as low as 8m Above Ground Level, some at 30m, and some at 90m. This depends on the airspace in the area. Almost all of Dublin is covered by the Dublin Control Zone (CTR), and depending on the distance from major Aerodromes, Dublin Airport, Casement, etc., the operating altitude is restricted.
Specific Category Operators can apply to Dublin Air Traffic Control (now AirNav Ireland) for permission to operate above these limits within the scope of their Operational Authorisation even if permission is granted in principle; it’s only the day of the flight that will determine whether ATC will allow the operation to be completed.
Specific Category Operators must have Flight Termination Systems and Parachute Recovery Systems installed on their drones when operating in Controlled Airspace.
What about the drones at Dublin Airport?
We will all have been aware of the stoppages that drones may have caused at Dublin Airport in early 2023. Dublin Airport has implemented drone detection technology. This detects drones within a specified radius of the airport and alerts Dublin Airport to their position. If a rogue drone is suspected, Dublin Airport will liaise with Air Traffic Control to determine if it’s a legal operation and may dispatch the Gardai to investigate if required. As Specific Category Operators, we can apply to ATC for permission to fly in almost all parts of Dublin.
What are the benefits of drone surveying services in Dublin?
Cost and Time Efficiency:
- Significantly reduces surveying costs compared to traditional methods in Dublin’s dense urban environment
- Rapid deployment for time-sensitive projects across Dublin’s varied landscapes
- Minimises traffic and business disruption in busy city areas
Safety Advantages:
- Eliminates risks associated with working at height on Dublin’s historic buildings
- Safely inspects hard-to-reach areas of modern high-rises in the Docklands
- Reduces personnel exposure during structural assessments of aging infrastructure
Dublin-Specific Applications:
- Regular inspections of protected Georgian buildings without scaffold requirements
- Detailed surveys of Dublin’s historic bridges and waterways
- Precise mapping of new developments in expanding suburbs
- Environmental monitoring of Dublin Bay and coastal areas
Enhanced Data Quality:
- High-resolution aerial imagery of Dublin properties
- 3D modelling capabilities for complex urban planning projects
- Thermal imaging for building efficiency assessments
- Accurate measurements for BIM integration
Regulatory Compliance:
- Compliant with Irish Aviation Authority regulations
- Meets Dublin City Council planning requirements
- Provides documented evidence for insurance purposes
- Adheres to local heritage preservation guidelines
What are the risks associated with Drone Surveys?
The Irish Aviation Authority regulates drone use in Ireland, and we operate under EASA EU regulations. Drones are exceptional technology, but we must use them safely and understand there are other airspace users we must consider.
Drones must give way to manned aviation, and there is a good reason why their use is regulated. Not only are there airspace risks, but there are also risks to people on the ground.
As licensed operators, we must perform Risk Assessments for every job. We have to plan and mitigate these risks, allowing us to complete the jobs for our clients safely.
What are the limitations of drone surveys in Dublin?
As you can see from the airspace map above, there are many “red” zones in and around Dublin. These include Prohibited Airspace, Military Airspace, and some sensitive location restrictions.
We have completed the training and operated for many years in Dublin. We have built our reputation as one of Ireland’s Leading Commercial Drone Operators, and we continually invest in the latest drone hardware and software enhancements to allow us to complete the jobs that others can’t. We also work on behalf of many organisations and collect data on their behalf, as we are trusted and proven operators.