Manna Air Delivery founder defends shift as company exits Irish market

The company’s decision to move its operational resources follows the rejection of plans for a drone delivery hub in Dundrum, Dublin. According to Manna, the lack of a national regulatory framework for drone infrastructure has made it impossible to achieve the necessary scale in Ireland. In contrast, the company pointed to the US, China, and the UAE as regions offering the regulatory clarity required for expansion. Despite the shift, Healy emphasized that R&D, manufacturing, and flight testing will remain anchored in Glasnevin and Offaly.

Addressing claims that the company is deserting its roots, Healy labeled such critiques as disingenuous, noting that Manna has successfully completed over 250,000 commercial UAV flights during its seven-year tenure. The company recently secured a $50 million funding round, bringing its total capital to $110 million, with backing from investors including ARK Invest and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. Manna continues to operate partnerships with major platforms like Uber, Deliveroo, and DoorDash, aiming to deploy its Irish-designed aircraft across international markets while keeping its core technical functions at home.