Drones may have to be introduced to police social distancing after fury erupted over large outdoor gatherings last weekend, a TD insisted on Monday.
Fianna Fail’s technology spokesman James Lawless said they may have to be introduced during the coronavirus pandemic if people ignore social distancing advice.
They could also be fitted with loudspeakers to issue warnings to the public to stay indoors or face the consequences.
Deputy Lawless’ proposals come as the Government meets this morning to consider if further measures may have to be introduced to help curb the spread of the killer bug.
He said: “I understand this is something which we would not ordinarily be calling for, the flying of drones above people has both safety and GDPR ramifications, but these are extraordinary times and call for extraordinary measures.
“We know that drone surveillance is highly effective, and that many Local Authorities have purchased drones under the Anti-Dumping Initiative.
“They could loan these drones to their local gardai who can use them to find out where crowds are starting to gather and disperse them before the crowd gets too large.
“In other countries drones are being used as loudspeakers, urging people to maintain a safe distance outside of the house and to discourage travel.”
Mr Lawless added he doesn’t want to be a “spoilsport,” but that drastic measures are unfortunately called for in a national emergency.
He said: “It is only natural for people to want to go outside in the good weather but the belief that they are safe in the open air is completely cancelled out when hundreds of people gather in the same place, it has to be discouraged in any way possible.”
