Irish authorities probe drone activity during Zelensky visit

The Irish police force, An Garda Sochna, has opened an investigation following the detection of drones over Ireland on the evening Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived. The visit, which included his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenska, was a one-day official engagement in Dublin.

Top Irish officials, including Taoiseach Michel Martin, have been informed of the situation. Martin confirmed that the matter will be addressed at an upcoming National Security Council meeting.

Garda stated that its Special Detective Unit (SDU) is leading the investigation and coordinating with the Defence Forces as well as international security partners. The Irish Defence Forces declined to comment on specific details of the incidents.

Earlier reports indicated that personnel aboard the naval vessel L William Butler Yeats observed multiple unidentified drones north of Dublin, near Howth and over the Irish Sea, coinciding with Zelenskys arrival at Dublin Airport, according to RT.

Speaking at a British-Irish Council meeting in Cardiff, Taoiseach Michel Martin said the presidential visit proceeded smoothly and that security measures were particularly effective. While he refrained from discussing operational specifics, Martin noted that a review of drone-related security issues across Europe would now take place, highlighting increased drone activity in EU airspace in recent times.

Martin emphasized the growing significance of drones in the context of cybersecurity and maritime security since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. When asked about possible foreign involvement in the drone sightings, he said no conclusions would be drawn until the review is complete.

Senior government officials have been briefed on the drone activity observed during Zelenskys visit, which coincided with Ireland pledging 125 million in support to Ukraine.

Author: Zoe Harrison