New IAA Air Traffic Control Tower at Dublin Airport will facilitate Parallel Runway Operations by 2021 and be one of the Tallest Structures in Ireland

Construction phase is expected to be completed by 2019, with handover then to IAA Technology and Operations, for the installation, commissioning and testing of associated air traffic management equipment and systems.

The new facility will be ready for single runway operation during the first half of 2020 and will be ready to facilitate parallel runway operations by 2021 when the Northern parallel runway is introduced at Dublin Airport.

Commenting on the project, Peter Kearney, IAA Chief Executive Designate said: ‘Currently, the new ATC tower, as one of the tallest structures in Ireland, is clearly visible to all passengers travelling via Dublin. Ireland as an island nation is hugely dependent upon aviation and therefore the safe and efficient management of air traffic growth remains a key driver for our economy. Dublin Air Traffic Control handled 223,195 total terminal movements and close to 30 million passengers in 2017. The IAA continues to invest in its state-of-the-art air traffic management system and in the development of our staff, to deliver a world class service to the highest safety standards. I am proud of the team effort to bring the new tower to this stage of development and I’m looking forward to its operational usage in 2020.’

The design concept for the new tower, created by the Scott Tallon Walker Design Team including Arup and Linesight, in association with IAA experts, has determined the optimum solution for the tower which incorporates:

• An 86.9 metre-high Tower to ensure appropriate visibility of runways, thresholds, manoeuvring areas and stands.
• A Control Cab to facilitate up to 12 positions.
• A base building which will accommodate staff facilities, electronic systems and mechanical plant space to provide technical support and control of the equipment and systems and the building environment.

The current Dublin ATC tower will remain operational for contingency purposes when the new Dublin ATC tower is fully operational.

BAM Ireland is the main contractor constructing the new tower.

Theo Cullinane, BAM Ireland Chief Executive, said: ‘BAM has just completed the continuous concrete pour creating the 81 metre shaft for what will be a stand-out iconic structure. Well done to the BAM team involved. This is a great achievement for this element of the work, particularly when you consider the recent severe weather conditions encountered. The ATC tower is a shining example of the expertise, collaboration and dedication of the team involved.’

David Cahill, Architect at Scott Tallon Walker, commented: ‘At Scott Tallon Walker, we have been breaking new ground, challenging conventions and coming up with innovative solutions for over 50 years, as is the case with the new Dublin Air Traffic Control Tower. The height of the new Dublin Air Traffic Control Tower will ensure that it becomes a significant feature on the Dublin skyline, however, upon completion, it will still be a slim, purposeful and elegant structure.’

Arup Managing Director, Eoghan Lynch, said: ‘We are delighted to be part of the team delivering what is soon to be one of the tallest structures in Ireland. The collaboration between all of the team members is exemplary. The engineering team has relished the opportunity to bring its international expertise to bear on the tower’s unique design challenges.’

‘Linesight is proud to be involved with such a significant and landmark project, on which we are providing Cost Management services. We look forward to contributing to the completion of what we believe will be one of the tallest building structures in Ireland’, added Linesight Director Jonathan Cooke.

About Irish Aviation Authority

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is a commercial semi-state company employing approximately 670 people at six main locations in Ireland. The Irish Aviation Authority promotes and regulates the safety of aviation in Ireland. The IAA is committed to developing and implementing effective strategies, regulatory frameworks and processes to ensure that aviation activities under our oversight achieve the highest practicable level of safety. The IAA is also responsible for the provision of Air Traffic Management (ATM) in Irish controlled airspace (covering some 451,000 square km) and State airports, aeronautical communications on the North Atlantic, and the security regulation of the civil aviation industry in Ireland.

About BAM Ireland

Established in 1958, BAM Ireland is the largest multinational construction business operating nationally with expertise and experience in the delivery of many of Ireland's flagship projects. We are multi-disciplinary professionals active in the building, civil engineering, PPP and facilities’ management markets.  We are also operating in Northern Ireland, the UK and the Middle East. BAM Ireland is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal BAM Group of the Netherlands, which has a turnover in excess of €6.5 billion and employs 20,000 people worldwide.

About Scott Tallon Walker

Scott Tallon Walker is one of Europe’s leading architectural practices and one of just a few to have been awarded the RIBA Gold Medal.

About Arup

Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world’s most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. Founded by Ove Arup in 1946, Arup is one of the largest consulting engineering practices in Ireland, providing multidisciplinary engineering and consultancy services from our offices in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. We have built a reputation for unrivalled quality, local expertise and knowledge. We are part of a global organisation which has more than 13,000 people working in over 80 offices across 35 countries delivering innovative projects across the world with creativity and passion.

About Linesight

Linesight provides professional services and strategic support to the global construction industry