New air traffic control tower at Dublin Airport to be one of the tallest structures in Ireland

STAYING PUT: Dublin's current ATC tower will stay even after the new one is up and running

 The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)  has commenced the construction of a new 86.9 metre-high air traffic control (ATC) tower at Dublin Airport, a requirement for the beginning of parallel runway operations by 2021.

The 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.

It is expected to 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. The height will make it one of the tallest structures in Ireland, with only a few church steeples knocking it from the top spot.

•           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, added: “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.”