Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has warned that anyone flying drones near Dublin Airport will be arrested and that the gardaí will "come down heavy" on them.
It comes following several days of disruption at the airport over the Bank Holiday weekend due to drones flying over the airspace. Flights have been disrupted on three occasions since last Friday.
On Monday evening, Dublin Airport advised that flights were suspended for safety reasons after a drone was spotted flying nearby. Flights were suspended for 40 minutes, with a number of flights diverted to Shannon and Belfast.
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It is against the law to fly a drone within 5km of the airport.
Speaking on his way into Cabinet on Tuesday morning, Minister Ryan said that his Department of Transport will meet with Dublin Airport to see what can be done about the issue.
However, the Green Party leader acknowledged that it is a difficult task.
“It’s against the law and it is causing huge disruption,” Minister Ryan said.
“Whatever means of supporting the airport, we’re going to have to make sure that they’re not disrupting flights.
“We’re sitting down with the airport and looking at all the different [...] what are the mechanisms?
“It is very hard to do [given] the scale of the airport and the size of a drone.
“But the guards also have a particular role. Anyone doing this, obviously, is subject to arrest.
“That, I think, is the best way of stopping it; Advising people if they are [flying drones near an airport], they’re taking huge risks with their own liberty.
“Anyone doing it has to be aware that it is highly illegal.
“They will be subject to the guards coming down, in my mind, heavy because it creates huge disruption, there are real safety issues. We will make sure working with the guards and the airport that everything is done to try and stop it.”
Dublin Airport lambasted the drone flyers on Monday evening, warning of the dangers of their actions.
They said: “The reckless and irresponsible behaviour of those causing ongoing drone disruptions at Dublin Airport is unacceptable. Those found responsible will face prosecution. “While safety and security remain our top priorities such disruptions cause huge inconvenience to our passengers.
“We would remind the public that it is illegal to fly drones within 5km of the airport.”
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