Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, will take part in a debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday morning of this week where she will advocate that Waterford Airport be developed as a dedicated training, testing and innovation centre for next-generation cutting edge drone technologies, supported by South East Technological University (SETU).
The debate will focus on the EU’s need to adapt and be fit for today’s security challenges – which includes an explosion in the use of drones for security, warfare, and protection.
Ní Mhurchú cited the growing strategic importance of drone technologies across Europe, saying that the South East of Ireland is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in this rapidly expanding sector.
“Drones are no longer niche tools. They are now essential technologies for defence, search and rescue, maritime security, environmental monitoring, agriculture and policing our coastlines,” Ní Mhurchú said. “If Europe wants to lead in this space, we must invest strategically and at scale – and Ireland, particularly the South East, can be at the forefront of that ambition.”
Ní Mhurchú highlighted that Ireland already has a proven track record in drone innovation, with companies such as ICP Newtech in Cork producing advanced bomb disposal and firefighting drones, and A-Tech SYN in Shannon developing surveillance and mapping technologies. She said Waterford Airport offers a similar opportunity, with the added advantage of being closely aligned with SETU’s research, engineering and aviation expertise.
“Our regional airports are an underused national asset,” she said. “Waterford Airport, in partnership with SETU, could provide a controlled environment for training, testing and research into cutting-edge drone systems. With Government backing, this could become a flagship project not just for Ireland, but for Europe.”
Ní Mhurchú stressed the significant jobs potential of such a development, pointing to high-value employment in engineering, software development, data analysis, manufacturing, maintenance and training in the wider South Eastern region.
“This is about future-proof jobs for the South East,” she said. “By investing now, we can create a sustainable pipeline of skilled employment, attract international investment, and ensure our graduates can build their careers at home rather than being forced to leave the region.”
She also noted that the initiative would align closely with the European Union’s increasing focus on security, resilience and technological sovereignty.
“From protecting our coastlines against drug trafficking, to improving emergency response and strengthening Europe’s security capabilities, drone technology is central to our future,” Ní Mhurchú said. “Waterford can be a global hub for developing the systems that will underpin that future.”
Ní Mhurchú has called on the Irish Government to work with SETU, Waterford Airport and EU partners to progress the proposal and ensure the South East plays a leading role in the next phase of drone innovation. She intends to raise the matter with Transport Minister, Darragh O’Brien. She praised Higher Education Minister James Lawless for confirming this week his Department was investing €3,347,178 in SETU to support small scale building works, energy efficient upgrades, access upgrades, refurbishment and equipment purchases and she encouraged him to consider further finance for SETU’s aviation programmes and courses.
