This is a regular topic on Twitter and many Facebook groups. We will update this blog post as regulations change.
If you live outside urban areas, there are many places to fly your drone. This is generally called Class G airspace and is unrestricted, mainly up to 400ft.
It gets more complicated in towns, villages, and cities. You are not permitted to fly any drone over assemblies of people, and depending on the Category of drone you are operating, flight over uninvolved people is not allowed.
As of January 1st, 2024, legacy drones (non-C-classed drones) such as the Phantom 4 and Mavic 2 Pro are prohibited except in Open Category A3 or a specific category with Operational Authorisation or SORA. They are required to be flown 150m from built-up areas.
Let’s take Dublin, for example.
Due to Dublin Airport, Hospitals, Prisons, sensitive installations and Military bases, almost all of Dublin County is covered by controlled airspace or Class C. There are also several Prohibited Airspaces within the Dublin Control Zone, such as the Phoenix Park. You can still fly your drone in most open areas up to 100ft/30m above ground level and 90m in certain parts of Dublin.
Above these limits, you require Air Traffic Control clearance, as many forms of manned aviation can appear quickly in the airspace around you. The Coast Guard and Garda Helicopter are examples of this.
Drone operations are also taking place beyond the visual line of sight (bvlos). These have precedence over VLOS operators.
To be able to apply for permission to fly above 30m/90m, you need to be operating in the EASA Specific Category. We will cover that topic separately, but below is a handy interactive drone airspace map. Check it out where you can fly legally.
Remember, you need to be aware of more than drone laws. Data protection is essential; spend time learning the requirements. Of course, you need the landowner’s permission to take off and land; otherwise, you are trespassing.
EIU97 – A geographical zone around Blanchardstown in Dublin facilitates drone delivery trials. Open Category operators can apply to AirNav Ireland for permission to fly here. Please note that once you receive permission, you still need to ring for take-off approval from AirNav at the time of the operation, and the approval can be rescinded.
EIU98 – In October 2024, a new geographical zone was added, changing the upper limit of the green zone from 90m to 60m within the zone. This is due to the flightpaths in and out of Casement Aerodrome for Military purposes.
