Army bans flying drones near the Curragh Camp

The Defence Forces have erected new signs close to the Curragh Camp giving notice that the flying of drones is forbidden.

The warnings are placed near the well-known Donnelly's Hollow area where people regularly walk their dogs.

The Army already has a general ban on photos or videos being taken close to the military base.

A large sign has an image of a drone with a red line drawn through it (above).

The unmanned aerial vehicles with hi-tech cameras were popular Christmas gifts and second-hand models are also being sold cheaply online.

Under the strict new rules, all drones weighing 1kg or more must be registered with the Irish Aviation Authority.

There are estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 drones already in use in Ireland.

In future, to register a drone, a user must be 16 or older.

Drones operated by those under 16 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian.