Ireland’s new drone registration system will be up and running by Dec. 21, 2015, according to The Irish Times, and will require all drones that weigh more than 1 kilo (2.2 pounds) to be registered.

The registration system, which also applies to model aircraft, has an accompanying app that will tell licensed drone users where they can and can’t fly.

Geofencing was also discussed as an option to prohibit drones will flying in unauthorized areas.

Irish Aviation Authority director of safety regulation Ralph James announced the new details of the register at the Drones, Data X conference. The system will be the first of its kind in Europe.

James said he hopes the new registration process is “easy, realistic and acceptable” and would support Ireland’s opportunity to become a “center for the drone industry.”

There’s an estimated 5,000 drones currently in Ireland, James said, but he added that drones are the “number one toy” on holiday shopping lists.

The United States is developing a similar drone registration system. A 25-member task force comprised of drone manufacturers, aviation associations, retailers and other experts has recommended the mandatory drone registration be “simple and free” and be required for all drones that weigh more than nine ounces. According to the Wall Street Journal, users will register by entering their name and address into a government-run website or mobile application. Users would have to attach a “legible” registration number to their drone.

The task force has until Nov. 20 to submit its recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration, which hopes to have the registration system up and running by the holiday season.

[Source:] Irish Times