The University of Galway is carrying out a pilot project that aims to transform how remote island communities receive their healthcare.
The Healthy Islands initiative, also known as Na hOileáin Sláintiúil, uses hi-tech drones to deliver critical medical supplies to Clare Island off Co Mayo on a trial basis.
The drones have been operating from Carrowmore Beach in Louisburgh and flying to the island at a speed of around 120km/h. The journey time is just under ten minutes.
The drones operate autonomously using artificial intelligence and are equipped to handle challenging terrain and unpredictable coastal weather conditions.
The project is led by Irish company Air Taurus which specialises in delivering aid to humanitarian agencies - in collaboration with the HSE and the University of Galway.
"This pioneering initiative will showcase how drones can revolutionise emergency response and healthcare delivery for remote island communities, ensuring faster access to critical medical supplies when every second counts," said Programme Director John Morris.
Ian McCabe, who lives on Clare Island and works with the University of Galway, said: "Our project is funded by Sláintecare through the Department of Health and we are developing telemedicine protocols and infrastructure to connect the island people with their mainland-based healthcare.
"We are active on Clare Island, Inishturk, and Inishbofin and are hoping to have our first remote outpatient consultations with UHG-based consultants before Easter. This will allow the islanders to avoid unnecessary travel when technology can provide the bridge between patient and doctor."
The drone can carry 3kg of supplies for specialised remote care and have them transported within minutes.
The plan is to expand the auto aircraft systems to cater for emergency scenarios where life-saving medications or equipment could be sent at significant distances in very brief amounts of time.
"There are many days when the sea state makes a ferry to Roonagh Pier impossible but it would be suitable for a drone to fly. Short shelf life medications or those with complex or time-sensitive supply chains could also be carried," Mr McCabe said.
Life-saving equipment delivered by drone includes remote care packages for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac monitoring devices, EpiPens, haemostatic bleed control bandages and trauma kits for instant access.
Co Mayo company Eco Powered Cabinets, which installed the first solar-powered defibrillator units on Croagh Patrick, has also come on board.
The drones can restock their cabinets, maintaining continuous access to critical emergency equipment.
Acaill-based GP Dr Noreen Lineen-Curtis travels to Clare Island on a weekly basis and said the project is transformative.
"There's a broadband connection point on Clare Island which provides a secure video feed for patients to communicate directly with doctors, nurses and therapists.
"When this project is up and running, they will get their electronically prescribed medicines delivered by drone.
"This is such a game changer for islanders and will save them making journeys back and forth to the mainland for prescription medicine," Dr Lineen-Curtis said.
There are plans to roll out the initiative to all remote island communities around the country.
