Latest news with #BobbyHealy
The Journal
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Huge local opposition to drone delivery hub on Dublin's southside as over 100 observations lodged
MORE THAN ONE hundred observations have been lodged over plans for a new food delivery hub for drones in Dublin, with the majority being objections. Politicians and residents' associations are amongst more than 110 objections received for the proposed hub in Dundrum on Dublin's southside. The window for objections closed this week. Plans were lodged by Irish startup Manna Drones Ltd for the lands at an existing car park site to the rear of Main Street and the rear of Holy Cross Church in Dundrum. Manna already operates two drone delivery hubs, one in Blanchardstown and one near junction 6 on the M50. The company has plans lined up to expand to Tallaght and Glasnevin. There have been over 100 complaints made to the company from those living in areas it already operates in. Manna CEO Bobby Healy has previously said the company is 'listening' to complaints and is investing in tech to make its drones, which are used to deliver products such as takeaway food, emit less noise when in use. Appearing before an Oireachtas Committee earlier this year, Healy said that drone deliveries are more sustainable, and remove traffic congestion from roads. 'Drone delivery offers a faster, greener and safer way forward, and does so while fully respecting the privacy of the communities we serve,' he said. Fianna Fáil TD Shay Brennan is among the objectors to the Dundrum hub. In his observation he noted that the idea of drones passing overhead daily has generated 'anxiety' in the locality. He also points out that there is currently no national policy or local planning framework to address the challenges posed by drone operations in urban and suburban settings. He called for a community impact assessment, robust noise studies, strict conditions on operational hours and flight frequency, and to defer approval until a 'community-centred' framework is in place. In Manna's application it proposes that the drones will be used to 'improve food delivery services in the Dundrum area'. One objector says that this is 'not a good use' of 'modern technology' and questions why only one use is listed. Another who also raised the same point noted: 'Dundrum already has ample food delivery services, making this proposal unnecessary and potentially harmful'. Advertisement One objector, who lives locally, wrote: 'A documentary I have viewed indicated a lot of local resentment to the current planning granted in Dublin 15.' 'The documentary I viewed talked about drones buzzing over adjacent properties, of which I am the occupant of one [in Dundrum],' they added, referencing the RTÉ Prime Time programme on the existing hub in Dublin 15. Another local resident wrote to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to object on privacy grounds. 'The presence of drones flying over residential homes raises legitimate fears around surveillance and data protection. Even if these drones are not recording footage, their presence in the skies creates a feeling of being watched and compromises residents' sense of privacy,' they said. One observation noted that the noise from and presence of drones could 'adversely impact' those with existing mental health conditions. The objector claimed that hyperacusis – noise sensitivity – is common in those with PTSD, those who suffer migraines, and those with some forms of epilepsy. Green Party councillor Robert Jones, who sits on the local county council, submitted an observation which noted that in his view adequate 'environmental scrutiny' and 'public consultation' had not been carried out. He said that there had been no ecological or acoustic assessments 'despite likely impacts on birds, pets and human health', and urged the council to reject the application. A management company representing the residents of Dundrum Castle House wrote to the council to object to the development on the grounds that drone activity overhead poses an 'unacceptable risk of damage' to the ruins of a 13th century Norman castle on the grounds of the residential development. Manna submitted a planning report from Downey Chartered Town Planners which stated that it will be introducing a 'much-needed service at this location'. The report said that drone delivery offers a 'sustainable alternative' to traditional delivery methods. Manna is applying for permission for an aerial delivery hub in Dundrum town centre for a temporary period of 5 years. In its planning statement the company said the development will consist of a single storey storage and ancillary office cabin container, perimeter fencing, and 'all associated site works necessary to facilitate the development'. A spokesperson for Manna Air Delivery has previously said that it would not be flying drones in Dundrum 'in the next few months'. They added that Manna Air Delivery has begun rolling out quieter propellers that reduce cruise-flight noise to 59 dBA—noticeably quieter than typical traffic outside a home, which averages between 70 and 75 dBA. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Drone delivery company Manna expects approval for quieter aircraft within months
Drone delivery company Manna expects to have regulatory approval for new technology that would cut noise pollution from its aircraft by 40 per cent within months. The company has drawn criticism from members of the Oireachtas and the public alike due to noise complaints after it set up a facility near Blanchardstown Centre last year, where its base is surrounded by popular fast-food chains and cafes. Flying at 60km/h at a height between 50m and 65m, the drones can deliver food or coffee to local areas within three minutes, the company has said. Manna chief executive Bobby Healy appeared before the Oireachtas transport committee on Wednesday and told TDs and Senators the company has developed and tested new technology that reduces noise levels by 40 per cent. READ MORE The technology involves new propellers and a reduction in the mass and weight of the aircraft. He said Manna has been in talks with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) about its plans 'for several months', and that it is currently awaiting approval for deployment. Mr Healy said Manna has been testing the new technology at its facility in Moorock, Co Offaly. 'We continue to invest in technology to go even further — and we foresee a future where people will barely hear us at all,' he said. While Mr Healy admitted the drones currently make a 'noticeable' sound, he claimed it was 'generally unobtrusive'. The drones currently fly at a maximum of 65 metres above ground, and the reduced mass would allow them to fly at 80 metres, while a lighter aircraft also has 'a big impact' on decibel levels, Mr Healy said. 'Leading experts in acoustics science from Trinity College assessed our aircraft and found that while cruising at 80m, they emit just 57 decibels – quieter than a conversation – and only for around 10 seconds as they pass overhead,' Mr Healy said. He said the 'noisiest part' of the delivery is when the drone arrives overheard and descends to 15m. 'It's pretty loud, I will admit,' he said. 'It's about 59 decibels. We will bring that down to about 55 with our new propellers and our mass reduction.' Mr Healy said that while approval and its timing was a matter for the IAA, he expects it to happen within months. 'I can't say when we can expect the permission, but it's quite a tight regulatory process,' he said. 'We have submitted all the documents. I do feel it [will be] soon. It could be weeks, it could be months, but certainly not further.' IAA chief operating officer Jim Gavin, also appearing before the committee, described the regulatory process as 'quite complex', but added that he would expect to see 'movement on it in the short-term'. Manna raised $30 million (€25.6 million) in funding earlier this year as part of plans to expand its business in Ireland and further afield. It has also lodged plans with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for an aerial food delivery hub in Dundrum.
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Furious Dublin locals blast ‘loud & intrusive' drones delivering takeaways as CEO says ‘we're not ignoring residents'
AN Irish drone company boss has defended plans to expand aerial delivery services across the capital. Manna CEO Bobby Healy remained defiant despite concerns raised by local residents and councillors in one test area about noise and Advertisement 2 Residents are complaining about the noise level from the drones Credit: Deliveroo The drone firm's whirring machines currently deliver a variety of products including takeaway food, coffee, and ice creams in the Blanchardstown area of Punters within a 3km radius can order grub from selected restaurants - with their food arriving from above in as little as three minutes. The service has been welcomed by some businesses in the Blanchardstown area, who say it has boosted trade. But furious householders in the Dublin 15 Manna pilot area insist the 'loud, intrusive noise' Advertisement READ MORE ON NEWS Talking to She added: "Some days you might hear one or two, other days it's five or more in quick succession. You don't know when they'll come, and you have no say." She also sparked some concerns about privacy an claimed it is an "invasion" of their privacy. She added: "I think until it comes into your own immediate vicinity, your backyard, you don't have a clue. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Exclusive "It's an invasion of our privacy. It's an invasion of our quality of life." Local Cllr John Walsh fumed: "This is just not the way to introduce a new service or a new technology. Moment firefighting drones tackle blaze as flames engulf 500ft skyscraper "It's fundamentally wrong. And what's needed is effective, transparent national regulation." Manna founder Healy admitted that some complaints have been received, saying: "I've personally answered nearly all of them." Advertisement But despite the turbulence, Healy insisted the company will press on with plans to expand across different parts of Dublin. 'WE'RE LISTENING' He said: "We've done a number of things. We invest heavily in the technology, we've introduced new propellers that will go live in the next few weeks. "We're waiting on regulatory approval to put them live, that makes them 40 per cent more quiet. "So we're listening. We've made a lot of improvements. We've a lot more improvements to come, but we're not ignoring those residents.' Advertisement Healy also added that the service is supporting local businesses and that one local coffee shop in Clonsilla uses the Manna drone system to deliver coffee to customers across the area. He said: "We're not going to be doing many more deliveries than we're already delivering. We're already grown there." 2 Bobby Healy said they're listening to the residents' complaints about the noise and their privacy
RTÉ News
03-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
'We are listening': Drone company CEO responds to noise complaints
The founder of Irish drone company Manna has defended plans to expand aerial delivery services across Dublin despite concerns raised by local TDs and councillors in one test area about noise and privacy issues. Manna CEO Bobby Healy was responding to questions about noise levels from drone flights in Dublin 15 on Prime Time, where the company currently uses drones to deliver a variety of products including takeaway food, coffee, and ice creams. "We've done a number of things," Mr Healy told Miriam O'Callaghan, "we invest heavily in the technology, we've introduced new propellers that will go live in the next few weeks. We're waiting on regulatory approval to put them live, that makes them 40% more quiet." The service boasts delivery times of three to ten minutes and has been welcomed by some businesses, who say it has boosted trade. In recent months, Mr Healy posted on LinkedIn saying the company was seeking 'location partners' in multiple other suburbs all around Dublin. Residents in the Dublin 15 Manna pilot area who spoke to Prime Time said the constant drone traffic has disrupted daily life. Fiona Hourihane, who lives near one Manna drone launch area, said "it's a loud, intrusive noise into a peaceful setting." "Some days you might hear one or two, other days it's five or more in quick succession. You don't know when they'll come, and you have no say." Ms Hourihane says she also has concerns about privacy. "I think until it comes into your own immediate vicinity, your backyard, you don't have a clue. It's an invasion of our privacy. It's an invasion of our quality of life," she said. Local Castleknock resident Barry O'Donnell is blind and also said his life has been disrupted by the sound of drones nearby. "As I sweep my long cane against the walls... I'm getting the acoustic feedback, which is the sound of hitting the wall. The problem is when you get the drones overhead, that all goes," he told Prime Time. "You can drift into a driveway in error, or you can potentially drift onto the road in errors with a serious side effect," he added. "This is just not the way to introduce a new service or a new technology," Labour Party Cllr John Walsh said. "It's fundamentally wrong. And what's needed is effective, transparent national regulation," Manna CEO Bobby Healy acknowledged that some complaints have been received, saying "I've personally answered nearly all of them." "In the year and a half we've been there - bear in mind this is covering 150,000 residents, over 44,000 households - we've received just over 100 complaints from Dublin 15 residents, and we've answered every single one of them and spoken to most of them," he said. "So we're listening. We've made a lot of improvements. We've a lot more improvements to come, but we're not ignoring those residents." Mr Healy also said that the service is supporting local businesses, pointing to one local coffee shop in Clonsilla which uses the Manna drone system to deliver coffees to customers across the area. "That's a small business in Dublin 15, employing about eight or nine people. They're delighted to be able to deliver coffee and compete with Starbucks. So, I think that's a great facility for small businesses to have," Mr Healy said. Mr Healy added that the company has plans to expand across different parts of Dublin, but there's no plans to grow further in Dublin 15.
Irish Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Stock of foreign direct investment in Ireland fell by €50bn in 2023, data shows
The stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland was down 4 per cent to €1.3 trillion at the end of 2023, new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show. FDI positions in Ireland decreased by €50 billion in the year, but represented 255 per cent of GDP, which was approximately four times the European Union average. Almost two thirds of inward FDI was concentrated among the top 25 firms. The United States, Netherlands and Bermuda are shown to be Ireland's top three partner countries for inward FDI investments, with the US holding €514.3 billion in FDI positions in Ireland. The US accrued €155.9 billion in FDI income from its investments in Ireland during the year. READ MORE On an ultimate investor basis, €897 billion of the inward investment positions in Ireland originated in the US, accounting for 69 per cent of the total. Inward investment that ultimately originated in Ireland, also known as 'round-tripping', was €100 billion, or 8 per cent of the total positions. Round-tripping refers to domestic funds which leave an economy and return back as FDI. Bobby Healy on why Manna drone delivery could be the 'biggest technology company in the world for its space' Listen | 67:08 A fifth of inward FDI positions were 'pass-through investment', which can be defined as foreign multinationals investing in their Irish affiliates which then subsequently invest in another economy. Greenfield FDI, representing new investment, was €44 billion. The increase was seen mostly in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. About 2 per cent of Ireland's FDI can be attributed to special purpose entities (SPEs), which are defined as companies set up for reasons that are beyond the production of goods and services, often established for financing purposes or to hold certain assets or liabilities. The International Monetary Fund defines them as businesses which have no more than five employees, have very little production within their resident economy, have a foreign ultimate controlling parent, and have a high ratio of foreign assets relative to domestic assets. Broken down by region, the data shows 71 per cent of inward FDI positions were in the eastern and midland region (Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Louth, Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois). A quarter was in the southern region (Clare, Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Cork and Kerry), while 4 per cent were in the northern and western regions (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon). The services sector received the greater share of inward FDI stocks in the eastern and midland regions at 76 per cent, while the manufacturing sector received the greater share of inward FDI stocks in the southern region at 55 per cent. The manufacturing sector received 94 per cent of inward FDI stocks in the northern and western regions. Irish FDI positions abroad meanwhile increased by 12 percentage points or €37 billion during the year.
