A Fine Gael TD objecting to a drone site in her constituency has criticised a new Government paper that allows for drone “test sites” for food delivery and other services, writes Brian Mahon.

The Government has come under pressure from its own backbenchers in the capital where food-delivery drones are becoming more prevalent.

Fine Gael TD Maeve O’Connell said the new document is a “letdown for communities across Dublin”.

Stillorgan-based Ms O’Connell represents Dublin-Rathdown, where residents are opposed to allowing a new food drone delivery centre.

Drone company Manna teamed up with Deliveroo in June to bring flying-food deliveries to customers in Blanchardstown, in Dublin 15, and now wants to build one in Dundrum – in Ms O’Connell’s constituency.

Residents have complained about the potential noise and annoyance of drones coming and going if planning permission is granted.

Holy Cross Church, beside the proposed hub, complained drones would interfere with funerals and other services.

Councillors have now paused planning permission for the drone delivery hub at the rear of Main Street, Dundrum, and are seeking more information.

They will consider the plan in six months, after the company has supplied more planning documents.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien launched the new policy paper yesterday.

Ms O’Connell said yesterday: “I was disappointed to see that the framework published today commits to the creation of a working group on drone geographical zones.

“These ‘test sites’ will simply allow commercial operators to expand without regulation, under the guise of ‘testing’. Our communities are not test sites.

“Dundrum is not a ‘test site’ – it’s a community where families spent years building their lives.”

She said no further commercial drone activity can be given the green light until further regulations are “firmly in place”.

Minister O’Brien said the sector could create jobs and boost the economy across Ireland.

But he warned: “I am aware that the rapid pace of expansion of Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations has resulted in challenges and generated real concerns and uncertainty among communities.”

Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman TD, who represents Dublin West, where one drone company has caused concern amongst locals in Dublin 15, said: “Right now, people are being treated as guinea pigs for drone companies.

“The framework offers industry a green light but gives communities no say, no protection, and no timeline for when safeguards will arrive.

“That’s not responsible policy-making, it’s passing the buck.”

Manna’s planning application for Dundrum seeks permission for a drone base next to Holy Cross Church.

Monsignor Paul Callan lodged a planning objection on behalf of Holy Cross Church and Pastoral Centre, along with over 150 other submissions from local residents and businesses.

He said he objected, “in the public interest of the community of over 4,700 homes that the Holy Cross Church and Pastoral Centre, part of the Catholic Archdiocese, serves”.

It states both “offer a community network and support as a quiet respite to the demands of modern life”.

He claims the hub “would create a hostile noise environment” and “would fail to enhance the creation of a sense of place and instead would dissipate the civic amenity...”.

Manna were contacted for comment.