In March 2026, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) successfully prosecuted drone operator Alan Brennan for failing to cooperate with an official investigation and breaching a lawful direction.
The prosecution, brought in the District Court, centered on several violations of aviation safety regulations, failing to attend a scheduled interview and not providing information requested by the IAA during an official probe.
Despite receiving a formal, lawful direction from the IAA to cease operations, the operator continued to fly his drone.
Brennan pleaded guilty to the charges and t court directed a €400 payment to Little Flower Penny Dinners, a Dublin-based charity and a contribution of €750 toward the IAA’s legal expenses.
IAA Inspector David Hansell stated that aviation safety relies on collaboration, noting that ignoring official directions stalls progress in maintaining a safe environment for the drone community.
This case follows other recent enforcement actions by the IAA in early 2026, including the prosecution of another operator, Helton Assunção, who was ordered to pay to charity after multiple breaches across three different Irish counties.
