GOVERNMENT UNVEIL NEW LAWS RESTRICTING UILLEANN PIPE DRONES

The Government today unveiled a new selection of laws prohibiting the use of drones by uilleann pipers in public spaces, much to the uilleann pipers disgust.

This news comes as Gardai anticipate a rise in the number of complaints regarding the use of uilleann pipes in public spaces due to the increasing popularity of the instrument and the expected high number of sessions over the festive period.

Chief Superintendent Fergus Healy urged all uilleann pipers to practise safe use of the drones while welcoming in the new laws.

“In the last few years we’ve seen an increase in the number of uilleann pipers with no thought of any laws to try and keep them under control. These new regulators…sorry…regulations, should change this.”

“The ears of the regular Joe Soap are very sensitive so we urge all uilleann pipers to practise safe playing. Don’t use the drones in built up areas or enclosed spaces. It just ruins it for everyone!”

From December 21st, all drones over measuring over 15 decibels must be registered with local authorities. 15 decibels is approximately the sound of a pin dropping while the average uilleann piper registers at around 160 decibels, about the same as a 12-gauge shotgun (see right).

The laws also prohibit the drones being used near airports or prisons as there have reports of sessions occurring in airport terminals and airplanes while prisoners are known to be riled up by the sounds of the instrument.

“The last thing we want to do is put the public in danger”, said Healy, “A man’s ears are private and the sound of the drones could be an invasion of that privacy.”