A pilot flying over the Irish Sea reported seeing a large drone close to Dublin Bay, prompting an inquiry by aviation authorities.
The crew of the civilian aircraft contacted air‑traffic control after spotting what they described as a “large black drone” off the left side of the aircraft as it approached the Dublin coastline.
The sighting was logged by air traffic control and passed on for further assessment.
AirNav Ireland, which provides air traffic management services in Irish airspace, confirmed to the Irish Independent that an aircraft “arriving into Dublin this evening reported a possible drone sighting”.
“In line with our normal safety procedures, a safety report was filed and the sighting was reported to An Garda Síochána. As this matter is now with the relevant authorities, we have no further comment at this time,” the spokesperson said.
It is understood that safety and incident reports go through a confidentiality process before being circulated.
The Department of Defence said it will issue a statement tomorrow with a spokesperson declining to comment further.
The Irish Aviation Authority, the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána have all been contacted for comment.
The latest sighting comes amid growing unease about Ireland’s ability to manage security risks during the EU presidency, and days ahead of US president Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland this weekend.
Last year’s drone sighting off Dublin Bay during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit has sharpened concerns about Ireland’s capacity to respond to security threats.
A significant security operation is already under way for US president Donald Trump’s visit this Saturday and Sunday, with a no‑fly zone for unauthorised aircraft to be enforced around Dublin Airport and Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg, from noon on Saturday until late on Sunday.
US military transport aircraft have also been arriving at Dublin Airport in recent days to deliver equipment for the visit.