DAA steps up plans for new public viewing facility at Dublin Airport

Kenneth Fox

Dublin Airport said the delivery of improved viewing facilities for the public to watch planes take off and land on the airport's runways will be able to progress after it provided Fingal County Council with additional information regarding a proposal submitted by daa last year.

DAA's proposal is to significantly enhance the site of the current informal airport viewing point on Old Airport Road, locally known as "The Mound".

The site is fully owned by Dublin Airport and the construction of the free-to-access facility would be paid for by DAA as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting and working with the local community.

The DAA made an initial planning application to Fingal County Council last year and was requested to submit further information regarding aspects of the proposed development, which it has now done.

Additional information provided by the DAA includes: an agreement to relocate bicycle parking facilities on the site; details of the materials that would be used in construction; and answers to other questions posed by the planning authority regarding the decision to include/not include certain amenities within the development.

The facility would provide a comfortable, dry and safe space for the community to view aircraft movements, with a clear view of the south runway (10R/28L) and the cross-wind runway (16/34) at Dublin Airport.

The proposal would replace the existing muddy grass mound and informal parking area with a dedicated car park with 22 parking spaces (including spaces for people with reduced mobility and dedicated family spaces), bike parking, and an elevated covered platform with seating. The facility will be fully-lit, with power provided by solar panels located on the site

Gary McLean, managing director of Dublin Airport: "Aircraft observation facilities are a feature of airports around the world, and we want to get on and build this as soon as possible.

"The public reaction to our proposal, which we'd pay for, has been incredibly positive and people really want it.

"This location has been an informal 'plane-spotting' area over the past 40 years and we think it's time to put a more formal facility in place.

"It's a rite of passage for kids in Dublin to be taken to 'The Mound' to watch the planes landing and taking off at the airport.

"This new facility would make it safer and more enjoyable for users and we think it’s a facility that the local community will really enjoy. We look forward to working with the planning authority to deliver this much-wanted public amenity which would be used by locals young and old for decades to come.”