Dublin Airport North Runway, the first international runway constructed in Ireland in over 30 years, has been awarded Engineering Endeavour of 2022 by Engineers Ireland.
Delivered by an international project team comprising Arup, SENER, and a Construction Joint Venture made up of FCC Construcción and Roadbridge Ltd, Dublin Airport North Runway was chosen by the public and members of Engineers Ireland as the top engineering project of 2022, having featured in Engineers Ireland’s Engineering Excellence Digital Series, held in association with ESB, and following an online vote.
The development of North Runway, considered one of Ireland’s largest infrastructure projects, involved the building and installation of over 340,000 sq metres of new runway and taxiways, 6km of internal airport roads, 425km of electrical cable and 2,500 runway and taxiway lights. The industry-leading decision to continuously consider whole-life costs throughout the project also ensures that North Runway can be operated and maintained in the most efficient and reliable manner, providing a long-term, resilient asset and a safe working environment for operators on a day-to-day basis.
Commenting on the achievement, Aidan Cleary, Ireland Transport Infrastructure Leader, Arup, said, “Arup is proud to be part of the team delivering another piece of critical national infrastructure in Dublin Airport, which will support the continued socio-economic development of the airport, Dublin and Ireland in the years ahead.
“Arup, along with our design joint venture partner, SENER and the Construction Joint Venture collaborated to draw upon the international expertise of the delivery team across Ireland, the UK and Spain to deliver Ireland’s first international runway in over 30 years – undoubtedly a legacy project which the entire team is extremely proud to have been part of. We are honoured that Dublin Airport North Runway has been selected as Engineering Endeavour of 2022.”
Highlighting the key features of the project, Cleary added, “Sustainable design and construction practices were at the core of this project, including maximising material re-use in line with circular economy principles and achieving an onsite earthworks balance, ensuring a resilient asset which supports daa’s future plans and ambitions.”