Dublin Airport North Runway, the first international runway constructed in Ireland in more than 30 years, has been awarded the prestigious title of Engineering Endeavour of 2022 by Engineers Ireland.

Delivered by an international project team, comprising of 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.

One of Ireland’s largest infrastructure projects

The development of North Runway, considered one of Ireland’s largest infrastructure projects, involved the building and installation of more than 340,000m2 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.

North Runway will play an important role in Dublin’s growing position as a hub for travel between Europe and North America, with the potential to increase connectivity across all regions. According to daa, the runway will also support the creation of 31,200 new jobs and €2.2 billion in additional economic activity.

Aidan Cleary, Ireland Transport Infrastructure leader at 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 socioeconomic 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 made up of FCC Construcción and Roadbridge Ltd 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 more thanr 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.

International design and construction team

“Over a period of five years, our international design and construction team collaborated to meet the demands of delivering this critical national asset.

"Runways, like most airport projects, pose unique challenges, from the proximity of the site to a fully operational airfield to designing for ease of operation and maintenance, and the need for creative and innovative pavement design methods to meet performance and sustainability requirements.

"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.”

John Power, president of Engineers Ireland, said: “Engineers have a vital role to play in sustainable, social, and economic development. The innovative and sustainable solutions delivered by this international engineering team in the design and delivery of North Runway will help to support growth and increase connectivity to and on our island. 

"I would like to offer my congratulations to Arup, SENER,  FCC Construcción and Roadbridge on achieving the title of Engineering Endeavour of 2022. I would also like to congratulate each shortlisted finalist who appeared in this year’s Engineering Excellence Digital Series and thank our title sponsors ESB for their commitment to recognising engineering excellence in 2022 by supporting this year’s video series.”

'Ireland’s engineers leading the way'

Marguerite Sayers, deputy chief executive of ESB, added: “Engineering is integral to modern life and the initiatives profiled in this year’s Engineering Excellence Digital Series demonstrates how Ireland’s engineers are leading the way to develop inclusive and sustainable solutions to drive innovation, combat climate change, and support growth.

"I would like to commend all of the project teams who featured in this year’s series and congratulate Arup, SENER, FCC Construcción and Roadbridge on winning the prestigious Engineering Endeavour of 2022 Award for the Dublin Airport North Runway project.”

daa interim CEO, Catherine Gubbins, said: “I’d like to congratulate our partners Arup on winning the 2022 Engineering Endeavour Award for their work on Dublin airport’s new North Runway.

"It is a coveted award which recognises the delivery of this once-in-a-generation piece of vital national infrastructure on time, on budget for Ireland’s economic growth for many decades to come. The construction of North Runway will further enhance the role of Dublin airport to enable business and connect lives across the world.”

To find out more about the engineering expertise behind the development of Dublin Airport North Runway and to view the five-part Engineering Excellence Digital Series, held in association with ESB, visit: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Professionals/Events/Featured-events/Excellence-Awards/Engineering-Excellence-Digital-Series