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Drone delivery company to present letter of support to councillors

Manna has flown more than 36,000 deliveries in the area over the last 18 months
Manna has flown more than 36,000 deliveries in the area over the last 18 months

Drone delivery company Manna is to present a letter of support for its services, signed by more than 400 residents in Dublin 15, to local representatives.

Manna has flown more than 36,000 deliveries in the area over the last 18 months, with customers receiving items such as takeaways, coffees, books and clothing.

The company said it has received 1,883 positive customer reviews from residents that have used the drone delivery service.

Earlier this month, People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger told the Oireachtas Transport Committee that gardens were being "invaded by drones" in her constituency of Dublin West, claiming that residents had been dramatically impacted by the deliveries.

Labour Councillor for Castleknock John Walsh has launched an online petition calling on the Government to regulate commercial drone delivery services, which he said are impacting communities in Dublin 15, amid noise and privacy concerns.

The petition has so far gathered almost 900 signatures.

"We've engaged with representatives and residents that have genuine concerns on the futuristic nature of the technology of which 112 in the area are from Dublin 15 Eircodes," Manna CEO Bobby Healy said.

"However there is a huge majority of people in the area that use and value the service that should be listened to," Mr Healy said.

Manna said its all-electric drones are over 99% more carbon-efficient than cars and vans, adding that their use cuts CO2 emissions and reduces traffic on the roads.