Drones 'mitigated' during recent security events, Irish police say

Irish police assert that drones have been successfully "mitigated" during recent security events, a deputy commissioner declared. The potential threat posed by drones to air travel has gained prominence as US President Donald Trump arrives in Ireland on Saturday. A substantial security operation is underway, with An Garda Síochána collaborating with Defense Forces, US authorities, and other international policing partners.

This poses additional logistical challenges, especially as several major meetings for Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union continue since July.

Gardaí are currently investigating a drone sighting by an aircraft arriving in Dublin. Heightened concern over the technology emerged following an attempted attack in August at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, where a drone equipped with explosives was used. Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary acknowledged on Friday that drones present a "potential threat."

He informed reporters that An Garda Síochána has "invested heavily in the latest counter-drone equipment and training." Mr. Cleary stated that the police service has implemented a "comprehensive counter-drone layer security plan" for the upcoming weekend event, which includes collaboration with partners such as the Defense Forces, the Secret Service, and their international security network.

Cleary elaborated: "In recent events we have provided security at, the new drone systems have been very effective. We have been able to identify, track, and mitigate drones that were in a drone enforcement area. The ultimate responsibility is to protect the temporary no-fly zone around the security event, and also to mitigate against any drone reporting into that area."

Gardaí Commissioner Justin Kelly revealed that An Garda Síochána conducted "an extensive threat and risk assessment for the whole visit." He expressed satisfaction with the existing systems, noting that they were "picking them up very effectively" near secure areas. Kelly added: "I’m happy that we have in place everything that we need to mitigate all the various threats."

He emphasized that the police have implemented systems in recent months, particularly in light of Ireland's EU presidency, to track and mitigate drones.