THE completion of a €5.35 million upgrade at Shannon Airport this week is intended to future-proof airfield facilities for the expected post-Covid recovery in the aviation industry.
It brings total investment in upgrade works at the airfield in the last five years to €20 million and follows a major upgrade to the main airport runway in 2017 which included the resurfacing of the runway, the replacement of runway edge and centre line lighting with energy efficient LED lighting.
Over 40 jobs were created during the airport’s latest airfield upgrade work, which commenced in October 2021 and were undertaken by Clare Civil Engineering.
The rehabilitation works involved three separate areas of the airfield: the resurfacing of the executive jet and light aircraft park; the extension of a section the apron (which facilitates aircraft for the loading and unloading of cargo, passengers and for refuelling), and the resurfacing of the long-term aircraft parking area.
Commenting on the initiative, Shannon Airport’s Director of Operations, Niall Maloney said: “The €5.35 million project, which was 50 per cent funded by the Department of Transport will future proof the airport’s airfield and enhance operations.
“We are extremely grateful for the funding support from the Department of Transport that has enabled us to complete this project.
“We are in a period of rebuilding and recovering at Shannon Airport, following severe global travel restrictions. This time has allowed us to focus on key elements and provide longevity to the airport infrastructure, developed for our aircraft and associated operators.”
Head of Engineering at Shannon Commercial Properties, Grainne Mc Inerney said: “Over the past 18 weeks a team of 60 people have worked extremely hard to ensure our airfield rehabilitation project is completed.
