A Garda drone unit has also been established which will be used to pursue criminals by the end of this year, Mr Kelly said. The case of the garda prosecuted for his driving for pursuit of scrambler bikes has “crystallised some of the issues” around pursuit, Mr Kelly said. Mr Kelly added that drones will also be used by gardaí in everyday policing by the end of this year or the start of 2027. “They provide real-time support for officers on the ground,” Mr Kelly said. A “lot of work” has already been done for drone use ahead of the EU presidency, Mr Kelly said.

Source: Irish Examiner April 01, 2026 15:07 UTC