Case Study – Drones

Drones – A Smart City Case Study

Since 2020, Dublin City Council (DCC) has explored the potential of drones through a coordinated, step-by-step approach. In 2021, the “Accelerating the Potential of Drones for Local Government” project, funded by PSIF, delivered national insights and materials for staff on privacy and regulations, including a 900-response public survey and an award-winning international best practices report. The project received the Award on Governance & Economy at the 2022 Smart City Expo and World Congress in Barcelona.

Today, there is a dedicated DCC Drone Unit that leads operations, governance, and innovation, working closely with partners like Maynooth University and the Irish Aviation Authority.

Drones have proven to be 4.5 times more cost-effective than traditional methods for surveying dangerous sites, completing inspections in hours instead of days – all while maintaining safety as a priority. From mapping rooftops to supporting emergency services, drones are now a vital tool across departments including Fire Brigade, City Architects, and Flood Defence.

Public engagement has been central to the journey of drones for the public sector. Training sessions have upskilled nearly 100 staff, and materials are now shared with other councils across Ireland.

The Drone Innovation Partnership, backed by €600,000 in funding, is the next key step. This two-year project explores urban drone operations, public perception, and digital platforms for managing drone activity. It’s designed to ensure that drone technology is not only effective but also trusted and well-governed.

For residents, this means safer streets, faster services, and smarter city planning. For the public sector, it’s a blueprint for how to responsibly integrate emerging technologies into everyday operations.

To learn more about smart technology case studies in Dublin, contact us at info@smartdocklands.ie!