Dublin Airport drone incidents

On 10 February a 50-year-old man was charged under the Air Navigation and Transport Act with unlawfully and intentionally interfering with airport operations by flying a UAV on the Naul Road in Cloughran, in the 300 metre critical area which was likely to interfere with aircraft operation.[3] The offence carries a penalty of up to life imprisonment, and the legislation does not allow for a suspended sentence or probation.[3] He made no reply to the charge.[3] He was released on bail with conditions including that he doesn't fly drones in the Irish state, that he signs on weekly at his Garda station and that he surrenders his passport.[3] He is scheduled to appear before the court on 14 April.[3]

On 14 April a detective told the judge that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed "trial on indictment", meaning that the man may face a jury trial in the Circuit Court, which can impose longer sentences than the District Court.[8] The defence solicitor was granted an order for disclosure of prosecution evidence.[8] The judge warned that breaching the bail terms would result in Gardaí seeking revocation of bail.[8] The judge granted legal aid after hearing the man was in employment but received less than €500 per week.[8] The judge ordered the man to appear before a court again in six weeks time to indicate a plea and confirm the venue of his trial.[8]

On 7 February, Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Jack Chambers met with Gardaí and representatives of the regulator, the Irish Aviation Authority, and the airport operator, the Dublin Airport Authority, to discuss the disruptions.[5] Ryan said that the government is supporting Dublin Airport and is looking into methods to deter drones.[5] Ryanair called for the government to take immediate action as four aircraft belonging to the company could not land on 6 February.[5]