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Use Case
Industry, Innovation And Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption And Production
Peace, Justice And Strong Institutions
This project presents a unique opportunity to position the local government as a leader in the application of drone technologies. To achieve this ambition the project addressed a number of key challenges relating to drone operations including compliance, business models, health & safety, privacy and understanding innovation potential.
Drones’ technology is seeing significant evolution and market growth – there are widespread use across public services internationally and Ireland is no exception, particularly in Dublin City Council across multiple services. We are seeing this across the Irish public sector as well to enhance and support operations such as emergency response, surveying and mapping, planning and enforcement, pollution control and traffic monitoring. As the drone market matures, so too do the opportunities to better use this technology to deliver safer, more efficient services.
The funding has supported the development of a series of best practice guides, frameworks, case studies, online learning materials and workshops for the sector, accelerating new opportunities and innovation potential for drones across Ireland.
A number of different workstreams were created to support in the development process:
Workstream 1. Best and Emerging Practice
Development of research examining international best practice in local government drone usage. This includes investigating operational businesses models and identifying emerging trends and opportunities for drone applications with a set of recommendations.
Workstream 2. Compliance, Trust and Safety
Development of guidance to support drone operators.
Workstream 3. Strategic Futures, positioning Ireland as an innovation leader
Establishment of a cross-sectoral national ‘Future of Drones’ national steering group, bringing together the public sector, industry and academia in order to accelerate drone innovation opportunities, explore emerging national issues such as the role of local authorities in managing ‘low airspace’, and facilitate the national alignment with public agencies.
Workstream 4. Knowledge Sharing
Establishment of a cross-sectoral national ‘Future of Drones’ national steering group, bringing together the public sector, industry and academia in order to accelerate drone innovation opportunities, explore emerging national issues such as the role of local authorities in managing ‘low airspace’, and facilitate the national alignment with public agencies.
A national survey was carried out to find out public sentiment about the growth of drone technology. This kind of action is important in helping to steer Dublin (and beyonds) drone potential in a way that is of most benefit to and most fitting with survey respondents opinions.
The results of this 900 person survey showed that 84% of respondents felt positive about drone technologies and there is confidence that drones could be delivering mail (67%) and takeaways (55%) across Ireland by 2025. Concerns that were identified by respondents include the importance of trust (75%), privacy (54%) and safety (50%), key issues that will need to be addressed before the technology realises its full potential.
Want to learn more about the lessons learned, financial details and results?
Log inPlanning time: 6 months to 1 year
Implementation time: 6 months to 1 year
Dublin City Council; Public Service Innovation Fund; Irish Aviation Authority; Local Government Management Association; Maynooth University
Dublin County Council; Local Government Management Association; Maynooth University
Municipal Authorities
Enabling new business opportunities