Laws could be introduced over drone use near fires

The Defence Minister is looking for tough laws to be introduced over the use of drones.

It comes after the Air Corps had to withdraw from dealing with a gorse fire in Bray, County Wicklow on Friday.

ATTENTION
Aerial Firefighting operations at Bray Head have been STOOD DOWN due to drone activity in the area! Wildfires are currently spreading across Bray head, please refrain from using drones in the area to allow us to combat the wildfire. @DubFireBrigade @wicklowcoco pic.twitter.com/9Wv5BVnMj0

— Irish Air Corps (@IrishAirCorps) July 13, 2018

Minister Paul Kehoe says it is completely unacceptable people would use drones and impede the emergency services.

He has spoken to the Minister for Justice over his concerns.

"The work of the Air Corps has been impeded over the last number of days. The most recent one was Greystones in Co Wicklow on Friday because of people flying drones," he said.

I have been in contact with my cabinet member, Minister Charlie Flanagan, the Minister for Justice, regarding drones and to bring in tough laws and tougher legislation regarding the use of drones and the flying of drones.

Digital Desk