Electric Picnic airspace restriction announced over Stradbally

The Irish Aviation Authority has announced flight restrictions over Stradbally for next weekend. 

The temporary flight restriction (Temporary Restricted Area) on the flying of aircraft including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), will apply in the vicinity of Stradbally Hall, Stradbally from Thursday, August 15 to Tuesday, August 20, 

According to the IAA, “the purpose of the TRA, within which flight restrictions may apply, is to ensure the safety of aircraft operating into and out of the Electric Picnic Music Festival, Stradbally Hall, Stradbally County Laois and of other aircraft operating in the vicinity of the TRA in the period cited.” 

It stated that permitted flights including state aircraft, aircraft of the Irish Coastguard Service and HEMS(Health Emergency Medical Service) aircraft employed on an operational mission will be exempt from the restriction.

“Subject to any decision by the IAA to the contrary, the airspace within the TRA is restricted to use by aircraft authorised by the event organisers (EP Republic Ltd),” the IAA stated. 

The flight restrictions apply to all aircraft including Unmanned Aircraft Systems(UAS) such as drones. 

“UAS’s operated in breach of TRA restrictions may be subject to seizure by An Garda Síochána as evidence for potential prosecution and in the interest of aviation safety,” the IAA stated. 

Queries about the restrictions can be addressed to the Flight Operations Department of the IAA by email at fod@iaa.ie