Drone Operator Fined €4,000 for Multiple Violations at Limerick Concert

A drone pilot has been fined €4,000 and ordered to pay €1,000 in costs after being found guilty of multiple aviation safety violations at a Snow Patrol concert in Limerick last year. The Irish Aviation Authority successfully prosecuted Krzysztof Luszczki for operating a drone illegally over crowds at Thomond Park in July 2024, as well as a separate security incident in March 2024.

Judge Catherine Ryan imposed the penalties after Mr Luszczki pleaded guilty to operating a drone over 120 metres and within a prohibited area without authorisation. He was additionally found guilty following trial of operating the drone beyond visual line of sight and at an unsafe distance from assemblies of people, also without proper authorisation.

The IAA confirmed that Mr Luszczki was known to them and, despite his experience as a drone pilot, did not have the correct authorisation to operate within the prohibited airspace or to fly over 120 metres. His actions posed both security and safety risks to concert attendees.

The authority explained that flying in close proximity to assemblies of people is considered particularly high risk, as those under the drone cannot safely move away if it malfunctions. Flying beyond visual line of sight and above 120 metres without appropriate training or safety mitigations has the potential to endanger manned aircraft in flight.

Brian Thornton, IAA investigator, stressed the importance of compliance:

"As Ireland's Civil Aviation Regulator, public safety is our highest priority. Operating a drone in a concert environment with large crowds poses a significant risk to attendees if the drone were to lose control, while flying above 120 metres places the drone into airspace where the potential for conflict with manned aircraft increases. In this case, operating beyond visual line of sight significantly reduced the pilot's ability to monitor manned aircraft and assess crowd density on the ground. Drone pilots must always ensure they are aware of airspace restrictions and comply with aviation safety regulations before flying."

Inspector Padraigh Sutton, An Garda Síochána Limerick Divisional Roads Policing Unit, warned:

"The unauthorised operation of drones over events, concerts or large gatherings is illegal. These flights can endanger the public and disrupt emergency operations. An Garda Síochána, in cooperation with the IAA, will investigate all reports of illegal drone use, and offenders will be prosecuted. Please report any incidents of illegal drone use to your local Garda station."

The incidents were reported by a member of the public and An Garda Síochána respectively. The IAA worked closely with gardaí on the investigation and subsequent prosecution.

Members of the public can report unsafe drone activity at iaa.ie/dronealert. More information on drone regulations is available at iaa.ie/drones.