Manna Drone Firm Faces Irish Setbacks, €50M Loss, and Planning Refusals
Bobby Healy’s drone firm, Manna, faces growing setbacks in Ireland, including planning refusals and public opposition. The company has invested €50 million since 2019, recording a loss, and may need to expand internationally to become profitable.
Bobby Healy’s drone delivery firm, Manna, is encountering significant setbacks in Ireland, its chosen test bed since 2019. Despite eyeing US and British markets, the company faces public opposition to noise and planning issues with local authorities.
Fingal County Council refused Manna permission to retain a drone hub in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, citing unauthorized development. Cork City Council also issued warning letters, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council recently denied permission for a new hub in Dundrum village after over 200 public submissions.
Manna has invested nearly €50 million into its Irish operations since 2019, recorded as a loss. Between 2019 and 2024, its total revenue was €209,969, despite completing over 300,000 deliveries and employing more than 200 staff. The company may need to shift its focus to international markets to achieve profitability.