Planning Authority enforcement is taking to the skies, with officers now equipped with a specialised drone as part of an investment into new technological tools.

The drone, which is specially equipped to gather baseline data for 3D imagine and volumetric calculations, can access remote areas and will also be used in enforcement actions.   

As part of the technological investment,  the PA's Compliance and Enforcement Directorate officers have also been equipped with new communication equipment and live on-site information devices. 

PA officials received drone training by an Irish aviation expert, the authority said in a statement. 

Last year, the PA carried out 49 direct actions. 22 of those were on sites within development zones, with 27 on ODZ sites. 

Those actions cost the PA €110,000, although the PA expects to recoup that money from the law-breakers themselves. 

A further 67 cases were closed after contravenors agreed to remove illegal developments themselves before the PA moved in.