The aviation regulator has warned against unauthorised flights by drone operators or pilots over the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin on Sunday.
In a statement, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said it “is directing all those who are thinking of flying in the vicinity of the parade to comply with the safety notice to ensure the safety of people on the ground.”
It said that as the St Patrick’s Festival in the capital draws a large crowd, the airspace over the event has been designated a ‘no drone zone’.
Unauthorised flights over parade routes “pose a significant risk and may result in serious consequences for both participants and spectators,” the IAA added.
It said that “the safety and security of the public are of the utmost importance” and urged people to co-operate with the notice which will be in effect from 7am to 7pm on Sunday.
Organisers say that half a million people will take to the streets to watch the Dublin parade.
There will be more than 4,000 participants in the event.
However, the Garda Band will not be among those taking part this year due to a “reduced number” of members, An Garda Síochána confirmed yesterday.
