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JJ McGettigan from the Emeral Garrison of Star Wars re-enactors pictured in Malin Head Niall Carson/PA Wire
Air Force none
No-fly zones being implemented to facilitate Star Wars shoots
The restrictions will run until the end of the month.
THE SKIES OF Ireland are being cleared to facilitate the ongoing shooting of Star Wars films.
Temporary air restrictions will be in place during May in a number of locations, with the Irish Aviation Authority saying this is being done for safety reasons.
The locations and dates of the restrictions coincide with the shoots for the new Star Wars, and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht confirmed last night that the areas were being temporarily restricted to support “film activity”.
Here is where and for how long the restrictions will be in place:
- Sybil Head and Dunmore Head in Kerry: 5 May to 26 May
- Brow Head in Cork: 16 May – 18 May
- Loop Head in Clare: 17 May – 19 May
- Malin Head in Donegal: 12 May – 16 May
Not all aircraft will be restricted under the ban, with the Coast Guard and aircraft involved in rescue missions excluded. Aircraft operated by the State will also have free access.
One thing that the film producers are aiming to avoid with this is unwanted drone activity in the area.
The small aircraft can only be used with written permission both from the Flight Operations Authority and the Event Organisers.
Anyone thinking of flouting this ban should be warned that they might have a tough time getting them back.
The crafts can be taken into evidence by gardaí and, should it come to it, can be used as evidence in a future prosecution.
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