Object to launch sites that enable drone routes over homes

[Your name] [Your address] [Eircode] [Email] [Phone] [Date] The Planning Department [Cork City Council / your local authority] [Address] By online submission and by post Re: Submission / Observation on Planning Application Reference [APPLICATION REF] Applicant: [Manna / applicant name] Site: [Site address] Dear Sir / Madam, I wish to make a formal observation in respect of the above planning application. I object to the proposed development on the grounds set out below and request that the planning authority refuse permission, or in the alternative, attach robust conditions addressing each issue. GROUNDS OF OBJECTION 1. Inconsistency with the National Policy Framework for UAS The applicant proposes operations that depend on the designation of a UAS Geographical Zone. The State's own National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and its 2026 Implementation Action Plan, commit to establishing a National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones to develop transparent processes for such designations. Those processes are not yet in place. Action 3 of the Action Plan — the actual requesting of zones in line with those processes — does not commence until 2027. Granting permission for an operation premised on a zone that has been designated outside the State's own intended transparent process would be inconsistent with proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 2. Noise impact on residential amenity The proposed operation will result in repeated low-altitude drone overflight of nearby residential properties, schools, parks and gardens. Drone noise has a distinct, intrusive character that disturbs residents at sound levels lower than equivalent road traffic. Independent monitoring of cumulative noise exposure has not been carried out. The proposal is contrary to [insert relevant policy from your City/County Development Plan re. residential amenity, noise, environmental health]. 3. Inadequate environmental assessment The application does not include sufficient assessment of: • cumulative noise exposure across the proposed operating hours; • impact on bird and bat populations, including any designated sites or sensitive habitats in the vicinity; • impact on Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation or other designated sites within the dispersion radius of the proposed routes. [Cite local SAC / SPA / NHA / proposed NHA if applicable.] 4. Absence of consent mechanism for overflown residents There is no mechanism by which residents of overflown properties can consent to, or opt out of, routine commercial drone overflight. Some residents report that promised or requested exclusion from routes has not been honoured. Any exclusion mechanism should be clear, enforceable, auditable, and independent of operator discretion. This is incompatible with the reasonable expectations of residents to peaceful enjoyment of their homes and gardens. 5. Children, schools and vulnerable users The proposed routes [will / are likely to] overfly schools, creches, playgrounds and outdoor areas used by children and vulnerable groups. The application does not adequately assess this impact and proposes no specific mitigation. 6. Premature in advance of regulatory framework Key compliance and enforcement measures envisaged in the State's policy framework — fixed charge offences, inter-agency enforcement mechanisms, training of An Garda Síochána — are scheduled for late 2026 and 2027. Granting permission in advance of those measures being operational means the development would be commenced in a regulatory environment the State itself acknowledges is incomplete. 7. Conflict of interest in the regulator The Irish Aviation Authority, which is the body responsible for designating UAS Geographical Zones, is not funded by the State but by its regulatory clients, including commercial drone operators. The planning authority is asked to take particular care, in the public interest, in placing weight on consents or zones derived from that authority. REQUESTED OUTCOME I respectfully request that the planning authority: (a) refuse permission for the proposed development; or (b) at minimum, defer determination until the National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones has published its agreed transparent processes and the relevant zone has been designated in line with those processes; or (c) attach robust conditions addressing each of the issues set out above, including independent noise monitoring with public reporting, prescribed exclusions over schools and parks, hours-of-operation restrictions, and an enforceable resident opt-out mechanism. I confirm that I am prepared to be heard at any oral hearing in respect of this application, and would be grateful for written confirmation of receipt of this submission and notification of any decision. Yours faithfully, [Your name]