Public consultation on drone usage in Limerick

Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) announces a public consultation on the proposed use of ‘Mobile Recording Devices’ (MRDs) by the Council within Limerick city and county.

A ‘Mobile Recording Device’ is any recording device, other than CCTV, and includes body-worn cameras, dash-cams, smartphones, drones and other similar devices.

For the purposes of this Public Consultation, the term “Mobile Recording Device” refers to unmanned aerial vehicles i.e. “drones”.

As a local authority, LCCC is committed to enforcing environmental legislation and addressing concerns about potential environmental or structural damage. 

The use of MRDs is in the public interest for gathering and collating pictorial data for assessment and planning purposes. 

In emergency incidents, drone usage will focus on protecting life and property.

These devices will enable the safe and efficient capture of overhead photographic evidence, including video and thermal imagery in emergency situations.

READ MORE: Green Limerick: New e-map to explore outdoor spaces in city and county

Anticipated uses of Mobile Recording Devices (Drones) include;

Waste Management Act, 1996: Detection and investigation of suspected waste management offences where physical access is impractical or unsafe. Aerial evidence may be required for imminent environmental damage or legal proceedings.

Waste Management and Water Pollution Acts: Assessment, monitoring, and tracking of surface contaminants during suspected water pollution incidents where safe access is impractical. Urgent surveys may be needed to anticipate threats to downstream habitats or water abstraction sites.

Sanitary Services Act, 1964: Visual examination of suspected dangerous structures where entry is hazardous, requiring three-dimensional visual assessments. 

Emergency Incidents: Protection of life and property under the Fire Services Act, 1981, and ensuring safe working conditions for employees under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.

All MRD operations will comply fully with Irish Aviation Authority requirements and the Local Government Management Agency’s Code of Practice for the Use of Mobile Recording Devices.

Local individuals, groups and businesses are invited to participate in this public consultation to share their views on how the use of MRDs may impact their daily lives.

It must be noted that this consultation does not relate to the use of closed circuit television (CCTV).

The anonymous survey is available from February 14  to March 7 online on the MyPoint platform at mypoint.limerick.ie.

Alternatively, email responses can be sent to customerservices@limerick.ie with the subject line ‘Proposed Use of Mobile Recording Devices – Public Consultation’.

Responses must be submitted by 7th March 2025.

No personal data will be retained by LCCC. 

For further information, please contact Limerick City and County Council at customerservices@limerick.ie.