Planners are seeking assurances that proposed drone food delivery services in South Dublin will not interfere with Defence Forces or air ambulance traffic in the area.
A decision on a proposed drone delivery hub has been pushed back after South Dublin County Council sought further key information.
The application was lodged in late December by social enterprise group Partas, which is opening a new food and beverage market in Tallaght village early this summer. The decision was due by February 26th delayed by the additional information request.
Drone delivery company Manna is expected to operate the hub should permission be granted.
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Planners have sought a comprehensive assessment of the potential safety and operational implications of the aerial hub, particularly in relation to how it may impact Defence Forces operations at Casement Aerodrome.
It is also looking for confirmation from the Irish Aviation Authority that the proposed service would not interfere with, or pose risks to, existing or future aviation activities, particularly regarding the Weston Airfield and emergency helicopter services to Tallaght Hospital.
The planning authority has also requested a noise impact assessment, along with proposed operational hours, and a revised tree survey and protection plan to preserve a mature tree buffer along the southern boundary of the site.
The applicant has been given six months to submit the requested information.
Located at a building owned by social enterprise group Partas, the Priory Market received planning permission last February. It is expected to open in early May, offering a range of artisan food with up to 14 operators including Afro Caribbean, South African and Lebanese businesses.
It will also have its own roastery, on-site brewery with the country’s first tank bar, as well as a venue for events and a 100-seater theatre.
The proposal for the aerial hub attracted two submissions against it, including one from an industry body Drone Professionals Ireland, which raised concerns over potential airspace restrictions should Manna be allowed proceed.
Objections to the hub from a small group of local residents had cited concerns over noise from the drones, and the impact on property values. The submission also cited safety concerns from drones flying overhead. Manna has carried out more than 150,000 household deliveries to date.
“Drone delivery offers a safer and more environmentally-friendly alternative to road based delivery, as well as wider benefits to suburban life,” a spokesman from Manna said. “We look forward to flying in Tallaght in the medium term, pending required approvals and will be sharing more plans with all stakeholders.”
Founded by Bobby Healy in 2018, Manna has developed aviation-grade drones that can deliver goods including groceries, takeaways and medicines. A single aircraft can do 100 deliveries a day, with up to 20 aircraft capable of being remotely managed by one Manna employee.
The company previously trialled drone services in Oranmore, Co Galway, and Balbriggan in north county Dublin. It also operates deliveries in Texas, and has plans to trial drone flights in Finland.
