Fingal County Council has halted plans by drone delivery company Manna Drones to retain its operational hub at Coolmine Industrial Estate in Dublin 15 due to noise concerns, reports Breaking News.
This decision comes after the Council requested extensive additional information from the company, including a full noise impact assessment examining the effects of the aerial hub on the surrounding area.
More than 90 public submissions were received by Fingal County Council, the overwhelming majority of which oppose the retention application, reports Breaking News.
In its request for further information, the council directed the applicants to respond to the issues raised by residents and, in particular, to address noise-related concerns.
The council specified Noise Impact Assessment must comprehensively evaluate all sources of noise, including drone take-off and landing, idling drones, and any noise from associated facilities at the hub, reports Breaking News.
The Council has further required the company to outline all proposed noise mitigation measures, such as installing noise barriers or acoustic fencing; deploying the quietest available drone models; adopting optimised take-off and landing procedures to reduce noise; and imposing operational limits, including restrictions on simultaneous drone movements.
The Council stated that the assessment must also measure the noise impact at homes and properties that receive drone deliveries, reports Breaking News.
The planning authority has additionally sought detailed data on drone flight frequency, covering expected daily, weekly, monthly and yearly volumes, along with a Transport Statement analysing ground traffic and vehicle trips generated by the delivery hub.
One resident who objected to the application told the council “the presence of a flying machine looking into your garden and your private residence like a menacing bird of prey is not acceptable”., reports Breaking News.
On its Coolmine planning application, a spokesman for Manna Drones has previously stated: “Our operations reduce traffic and remove substantial carbon emissions from each suburb we serve, which ultimately means more jobs, safer roads and cleaner air.
The application will become ‘live’ once again after Manna Drones Ltd has lodged the further information.
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