Food drones buzzing like 'lawnmowers' over Dubliners' heads could be 'harmful', says Councillor
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Food delivery drones buzzing like "lawnmowers or mopeds" over Dubliners' heads is "not acceptable", according to a Dublin City Councillor.
Cabra-Glasnevin Cllr Gayle Ralph has called for an immediate review of how drone delivery trials "align with existing planning and aviation regulations" after Deliveroo announced a new drone delivery trial yesterday with Manna, an established global drone delivery operator. The takeaway app released footage of its first-ever drone delivery — a portion of fresh sushi and sashimi from popular Japanese restaurant Musashi.
The service is currently based in Blanchardstown, and Deliveroo say they will use the initial weeks to assess how drones can help serve suburban and harder-to-reach locations. Over the coming days, people in a 3km radius of Blanchardstown will be able to order from selected restaurants including Musashi, WOWBurger, Boojum, and Elephant & Castle.
Orders can be flown to customers in as little as three minutes, the food app has claimed. Manna is also looking to trial drone deliveries from a new base in Dublin Industrial Estate in Glasnevin, according to the Dublin Inquirer, with questions persisting over noise, privacy, safety concerns, and what planning permission is needed.
Cllr Ralph said there have already been significant complaints from residents in Dublin 15 about drone noise, which has been likened to 'lawnmowers or mopeds,' with reported levels up to 65 decibels. The noise, the Fine Gael rep says, would be particularly disruptive in densely populated areas like Glasnevin.
She added that nearby Drumcondra is Ireland's Autism Friendly Town for 2025, and introducing drones would be "simply incompatible with the needs of our neurodiverse community". She said: "The announcement of Deliveroo's partnership with Manna to begin drone deliveries raises a number of concerns for me as a public representative, particularly around safety, noise pollution, and privacy.
"While I appreciate the potential innovation drones can bring to logistics and delivery services, we must not allow technological novelty to outpace the regulatory frameworks that protect our communities. Residents in Dublin 15 have already reported significant noise issues, likening the drone sounds to lawnmowers or mopeds.
"That's not acceptable in a densely populated city. The presence of cameras on these drones, regardless of their stated purpose, continues to worry many constituents.
"We need full transparency and independent verification regarding data protection, especially when such devices operate over residential areas. Drumcondra has proudly been named Ireland's Autism Friendly Town for 2025.
"Introducing drones that generate noise levels of up to 65 decibels is simply incompatible with the needs of our neurodiverse community. For autistic residents, many of whom are sensitive to sound, this disruption is not just inconvenient, it is harmful."
Cllr Ralph is calling for:
A full environmental and community impact assessment before any further expansion of drone delivery trials
Mandatory public consultation for all drone delivery operations in Dublin
A clear, enforceable framework for drone flight paths, operational hours, noise thresholds, and privacy protections
An immediate review of how these trials align with existing planning and aviation regulations.
She added: "Innovation must go hand in hand with responsibility. The public is being left somewhat in the dark, with no clear process for feedback or safeguards against noise, safety, and disruption.
"Until these concerns are properly addressed, I cannot support the widespread rollout of commercial drones over Dublin's skies." In their announcement of the partnership yesterday, Deliveroo said: "Drone deliveries can significantly cut wait times and reduce emissions, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to traditional delivery methods, particularly suited to suburban locations where Deliveroo is looking to increase its presence."
Chief Business Officer at Deliveroo Carlo Mocci added: 'Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people's doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide - so I'm thrilled to launch drone deliveries in Dublin today. We're excited to explore how drones can help us reach new customers, complementing our existing rider model and if successful, the prospect of expanding drone deliveries across Ireland and into other markets.'
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