UNIPA News(London) 22 June-Drone delivery company Manna has announced it is suspending its delivery operations in Ireland, citing regulatory uncertainty and a lack of a clear national framework for scaling commercial drone services.
In a statement issued on Monday, the company said it would redirect investment, talent and operational resources to international markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and the United Arab Emirates, where drone delivery regulations are advancing more rapidly.
The announcement follows the rejection of Manna’s proposal to establish a drone delivery hub in Dundrum, Dublin. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council refused planning permission for the facility, which was proposed for land behind Holy Cross Church.
Manna said the absence of a national policy pathway had left the sector dependent on local planning processes, creating uncertainty over the infrastructure needed to support large-scale drone delivery operations.
The company confirmed that planned expansion projects and future employment growth linked to local delivery hubs in Ireland would not proceed at this time. However, it said its existing operations in research and development, engineering, robotics, regulatory affairs, customer support and corporate functions would remain based in Ireland.
Founded in 2019, Manna employs nearly 200 people in Ireland and has completed more than 300,000 drone deliveries in partnership with over 120 Irish businesses.
Chief Executive Officer Bobby Healy described the move as a “strategic pause” rather than a permanent withdrawal from the Irish market.
“We are incredibly grateful to the communities, businesses, customers and employees who helped show that drone delivery can work at scale,” Healy said. “However, in the absence of a clear national pathway to scale commercial drone delivery, we have to focus our investment in markets where that pathway is now clear.”
The company said it would consider resuming delivery operations in Ireland if an appropriate national policy framework is introduced.
The Irish Aviation Authority said the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, launched in August last year, aims to support the growth of the drone sector while ensuring operations remain safe, secure and environmentally responsible.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said he had met with Manna representatives and welcomed the company’s continued commitment to maintaining its research, development and manufacturing activities in Ireland. He added that planning decisions remain the responsibility of independent local authorities.
Manna’s delivery operations have faced opposition from some community groups over concerns related to noise, privacy and environmental impacts. Residents’ campaign group Drone Action D15 welcomed the company’s decision, saying it would restore peace and quiet to affected neighbourhoods.
