Drone delivery company Manna confirmed that they are exploring delivery operations in Cork.
CEO of the Dublin firm, Bobby Healy, said they have received interest from independent retailers in Cork and from people locally asking them to consider bringing the service to the city.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) recently introduced new temporary measures that will significantly limit drone pilots and enthusiasts from flying over large parts of the city without providing two days’ notice.
The measures were implemented to facilitate a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operator, such as Manna.
BVLOS operators do not maintain direct visual contact with flying drones, with one pilot often flying multiple drones simultaneously. This differs from visual line of sight (VLOS) operators, where one pilot operates one drone at a time.
A temporary no-fly zone has been in place since February 14 covering Douglas, Cork city centre, the Docklands, Mayfield, and Ballyvolane, between 8am and 10 pm. The restriction will remain in place until May; however, the IAA has begun consultations on making the restriction permanent.
Given the nature of their operations, BVLOS flying is inherently riskier than VLOS flying. The IAA said the temporary VLOS restrictions aim to ensure the safe conduct of BVLOS flights over the city.
In an update on their website, Mr Healy said: “We are currently exploring how Manna’s Air Delivery service could work in Cork, following interest from independent retailers and from people locally who have asked us to consider bringing the service to the area.”
“In every community where we have launched, the service has helped ease pressure on local businesses, reduced traffic, and cut carbon emissions by replacing short car, scooter, and moped trips with electric aircraft. It is a small but meaningful way to make everyday life more convenient, more sustainable, and more local, and we believe Cork is well-suited to benefit from this type of progress.”
Drone deliveries have proved controversial with complaints of noise from some Dublin residents, which Manna has rejected. A number of drone operators currently operating in Cork say they will be opposing the IAA proposal to make permanent the current restrictions over a significant section of the city.
“We understand that new technology naturally brings questions,” Healy said. “Air delivery is still new for many people, which is why we focus on providing clear and honest information about how it works, how it is regulated, and how we operate safely and transparently.”
