Shay Brennan TD to Facilitate Public Meeting with Manna Air Delivery CEO on Proposed Drone Delivery Hub in Dundrum 

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Rathdown, Shay Brennan, will host a public meeting to address local concerns surrounding the Manna Air Delivery's proposed drone delivery hub in Dundrum. Bobby Healy, CEO of Manna Air Delivery, will address the meeting and engage with attendees.  

 

Speaking on the announcement Deputy Brennan stated, "The meeting will give residents a chance to access accurate information, engage directly with Manna, and explore both the benefits and concerns around potentially introducing this service to the community. 

 

"After meeting with Manna at their headquarters in Glasnevin to relay residents’ concerns, they agreed that their CEO, Bobby Healy, who is local to Dundrum would attend a public meeting to address these issues directly with the community. He will attend in person to listen to residents and respond to their questions.

 

“Having public consultation is a vital step towards shaping rules that work for both businesses and communities. What we’re doing here in Dundrum could serve as a model for how drone technology operators engage with communities across the country. Each community will have its own concerns, and public consultation must be central to the development of future regulations.

 

“This is about transparent communication. It’s an opportunity for residents to express their views and for Manna to listen and respond. We need a constructive dialogue that leads to a deeper understanding of how to responsibly integrate emerging technologies into residential communities.

 

“This meeting is not about creating conflict but about creating solutions. For example, a proposed 3km delivery radius from Dundrum could serve areas from Cabinteely to Nutgrove, and Clonskeagh to Stepaside. But to make such plans workable, we need clear, consistent rules and legislation that give certainty to businesses and reassurance to residents.

He acknowledged that while Manna represents the future of Irish business and innovation, it’s essential to strike a balance between technological advancement and community well-being.

 

“There’s real anxiety among locals. Particularly young families, older residents, and those working from home, about the impact of drones flying overhead in a densely populated area. There is also a strong perception that the interests of a small number of commercial operators could take precedence over the needs of tens of thousands of residents.

 

“As is often the case with new technology, innovation comes first, and regulation follows. What we want is to give all stakeholders a platform to share views, build understanding, and move forward together.

 

“I’m proud to see an Irish company like Manna at the forefront of global innovation, and we should support our entrepreneurs. But that support must be balanced with thoughtful planning, regulation, and respect for local communities.”

 

Deputy Brennan has encouraged anyone interested in attending the public meeting to contact his office for further details.