Cllr Cathal Crowe has warned of a potential drone attack at Shannon Airport.
Following closures to Dublin and Gatwick Airport due to drone activity in the last two months, the Fianna Fáil General Election candidate has stressed the need to to enact legislation to tackle the problem. He referred to the publication by the party of the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) Bill 2017 “over two years ago and it’s now at second stage in the Dáil” which ensures they are all registered with the Irish Aviation Authority.
In a statement to The Clare Echo, Cllr Crowe commented, “Despite the Taoiseach’s claim that we have quite robust legislation, the closure of Dublin Airport sent a clear signal that the law does not go far enough. Until robust legislation is brought into force a threat is still posed, and Shannon Airport could be the next target. Shannon has Ireland’s longest runway and is the last airport accessible for transatlantic flights, not only to and from Ireland, but to and from Europe. It is regularly used for emergency landings and it a key piece of State infrastructure”.
He felt Ireland was slow in comparison to other countries to dealing with the threat. “Other countries have responded to this emerging threat more rapidly, the UK has granted more powers to police forces to intercept drones and their operators, while Canada passed emergency legislation after Christmas. It’s time for the government here to act”.
