A blanket prohibition on recreational and commercial drone operations across Dublin’s Control Zone expired at 06:00 on 3 December, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) confirmed in a notice published on 4 December. The temporary UAS Geographic Zone, designated T3, had been requested by the Department of Justice due to unspecified ‘national security’ intelligence.
During the ban only operators with specific-category approvals and Garda permits could fly, forcing media outlets, construction firms and surveyors to postpone aerial work. While no incidents were reported, security analysts note the measure comes amid a 40 % jump in rogue-drone sightings near EU airports this year.
![Three-day ‘no-drone zone’ over Dublin lifted but signals tougher air-space security regime]()
The IAA says lessons from the exercise will inform a review of contingency protocols – including quicker activation of geofencing and a potential pre-notification requirement for flights within 5 km of critical infrastructure.
Businesses that rely on drones for site inspection or promotional footage should expect tighter lead-times for permit applications and be prepared for short-notice restrictions during high-profile events in the capital.
During the ban only operators with specific-category approvals and Garda permits could fly, forcing media outlets, construction firms and surveyors to postpone aerial work. While no incidents were reported, security analysts note the measure comes amid a 40 % jump in rogue-drone sightings near EU airports this year.
The IAA says lessons from the exercise will inform a review of contingency protocols – including quicker activation of geofencing and a potential pre-notification requirement for flights within 5 km of critical infrastructure.
Businesses that rely on drones for site inspection or promotional footage should expect tighter lead-times for permit applications and be prepared for short-notice restrictions during high-profile events in the capital.
