The Sky Isn’t Always Safe: Drones & Security Risks
Drones Are Everywhere
Drones are no longer a novelty. They’re used for recreation, deliveries, inspections, and more. While they bring convenience, they also introduce serious risks that organisations in Ireland must take seriously.
Risks From the Sky
Privacy & surveillance – drones can spy on sensitive areas.
Smuggling & contraband – increasingly used to deliver items into high-security sites.
Safety & threat vectors – drones flying near crowds, airports, or critical sites pose risks.
Real Irish Incidents
In 2025, four men were arrested for trying to smuggle phones and drugs into a Dublin prison using drones.
In Limerick, prison staff intercepted two drone drops of contraband in just a few days.
So far this year, up to €5 million worth of contraband has reportedly been delivered to Irish prisons by drone.
At Dublin Airport, drone sightings in early 2023 caused flight delays of 40–45 minutes.
Turning CCTV Into an Aerial Shield
With AI-powered analytics, your existing CCTV network can be upgraded to detect and track drones.
Detect drones at distance
Distinguish drones from birds or other objects
Track flight paths in real time
Generate instant alerts when a drone enters restricted airspace
Integrate with your existing security systems
Who Benefits Most?
Prisons & secure facilities – stop contraband before it lands
Critical infrastructure – protect power, telecoms, water, data centres
Event venues & stadiums – secure crowds from aerial intrusion
Corporate campuses – prevent industrial espionage
Airports & transport hubs – complement existing airspace security
Why AI Upgrades Beat New Hardware
Cost savings — use what you already own
Faster deployment — install software rather than new hardware
Scalable & flexible — update, retrain, or expand over time
Better integration — ties into your existing security workflow
