Manna cites planning refusals as it suspends drone delivery services in Ireland

Company says lack of a clear national framework has forced it to focus on international markets

Manna drones. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy

Manna has announced it will cease drone deliveries in Ireland, citing planning refusals and a lack of progress on regulatory rules as the company shifts its focus to international expansion.

The company, founded by Bobby Healy, announced a “strategic pause” in Irish drone delivery operations on Friday, citing the absence of a clear national framework and planning challenges.

"The absence of a clear national policy framework for commercial drone delivery means there is currently no defined pathway for the sector to scale in Ireland.

"In the absence of such a framework, decisions are assessed locally, creating uncertainty around the planning and infrastructure requirements needed to support commercial drone delivery at scale," the company said.

"At the same time, the United States, United Kingdom, China and the UAE are demonstrating rapid regulatory progress and strong commercial momentum. As a result, Manna has decided to concentrate its investment, talent and operational resources in markets where large-scale drone delivery is now a reality."

The company said it has received operational authorisation in both the US and UK and anticipates full authorisation to operate in the UAE later this year.

'Strategic pause'

Manna stressed that the move represents a strategic pause rather than a permanent withdrawal from Ireland, adding that it remains confident drone delivery can play “an important role in strengthening communities”.

The company has operated services in Cork, Moneygall, Oranmore, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown, and has also expanded internationally to Helsinki and Texas.

During that period, Manna said it completed more than 300,000 deliveries and partnered with more than 120 businesses. The company currently employs 200 people, with staff informed on Friday of the decision to pause Irish delivery operations.

“This is a difficult decision because Ireland is where Manna was founded, built and first proven,” said Bobby Healy, founder and CEO of Manna. “We are incredibly grateful to the communities, businesses, customers and employees who helped show that drone delivery can work at scale.

Bobby Healy, founder and CEO of Manna Aero with a MANNA Air Delivery drone. Picture: Larry Cummins

"However, in the absence of a clear national pathway to scale commercial drone delivery, we have to focus our investment in markets where that pathway is now clear.” 

Manna said customers in affected areas will be notified directly through the Manna app and by email.

The company added that it will work with local business partners to ensure an orderly wind-down of Irish delivery operations.

More to follow...