Gardaí Investigate Report of Large Drone Spotted Off Dublin Coast
Dublin: An investigation has been launched after a pilot reported spotting a large drone flying over the Irish Sea off the east coast of Dublin, prompting a response from An Garda Síochána and other relevant authorities.
The unidentified unmanned aircraft was reportedly seen as an Aer Lingus regional flight approached Dublin Airport yesterday evening. The pilot alerted Dublin Air Traffic Control after observing what was described as a large black drone flying close to the aircraft.
An Garda Síochána has confirmed that it is investigating the incident. It remains unclear who was operating the drone, why it was in the area or whether there was any malicious intent.
Drone reportedly spotted at 6,000 feet
According to the pilot’s report, the drone was flying at an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet and was around two miles from the aircraft. The pilot also reported seeing the large unmanned aircraft to the left of the plane.
The reported sighting occurred outside the 12-nautical-mile limit of Irish territorial waters, although the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
A Coast Guard helicopter was also observed operating over the Irish Sea, although there has been no confirmation that its activity is connected to the drone investigation.
Security concerns ahead of Trump visit
The incident is being treated as particularly significant because US President Donald Trump is due to visit Dublin and County Clare over the weekend.
Authorities have not indicated that the drone was connected to the presidential visit, and there is currently no evidence that the sighting posed a deliberate security threat. However, the presence of an unidentified drone near an aircraft and along Ireland’s east coast has raised concerns given the heightened security environment surrounding the visit.
Previous drone incidents near Dublin Airport
The latest report comes after previous incidents involving drones in the vicinity of Dublin Airport.
Last December, four military-style quadcopter drones were reportedly spotted close to the glide path of Dublin Airport on the night Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Ireland.
The latest incident also comes just days after a security operation was conducted off the Wicklow coast during a high-level meeting connected to Ireland’s EU presidency.
The Department of Transport has said the investigation into the latest incident has been handed over to the Department of Defence.
Irish Samachar English News