Dublin Airport Airfield System -

Dublin Airport Ground Orientation and Lighting System

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is a global airports and travel group with businesses in 13 countries and headquartered at Dublin airport. It employs 3500 people in Ireland and has a turnover in the region of €897 million. Dublin airport is Ireland’s largest international air gateway with over 32.9 million passengers passing through in 2019.

Project details

Rockbrook’s automation division are responsible for the implementation of this system at Dublin airport and still maintain it today.

The airport can experience up 740 aircraft movements per day which must be coordinated by ATC utilising ground personnel and systems. Rockbrook were tasked with implementing a key piece of critical infrastructure the Airfield Lighting & Aircraft Ground Orientation System. The system is required to monitor and manage 3500 airfield lights and 88 generators.

Critical requirements for this system were reliability, redundancy, ease of use and a comprehensive post project support service. Reliability was achieved using quality automation hardware and robust application software from the Siemens Simatic Industrial Automation portfolio. Redundancy was achieved by implementation of redundant server pairs, purpose built redundant PLC configurations and network infrastructure redundancy.

Ease of use was achieved through constant interaction between Rockbrook’s software development team and DAA operations personnel who would be using the system. Through close interaction Rockbrook established exactly how Air Traffic Controllers interacted with the system in live environments. This enabled the developed of intuitive and easy to use graphical interfaces which formed the front end of a powerful airfield management SCADA system.

location

Dublin airport, Dublin, Ireland.

What the client said...

Rockbrook have played a critical part in the developmental and maintenance of Dublin Airports Airfield Lighting Control System since 2006. I have always found that their team to be highly skilled and competent. They possess a large wealth of experience gain from other sites and are always available to provide advice especially regarding options on maximising the safety of operation. Their level of service is consistently high, shown commitment to programme, have been flexible if agreed dates change. Rockbrook have built up an excellent working relationship with our design and asset care departments and with the Control Tower staff of the IAA. Their collaborative approach mirrors the four pillars of the Dublin Airports values ethos which include Brilliant at the Essentials; Respecting each other’s Value; Passing the Baton, not the Buck; and Always Better. As a result of the successful completion of amendments and their support/maintenance of the system over the years a high level of confidence and trust has now been developed by Dublin Airport in the Rockbrook team. Rockbrook are considered an integral part of the Dublin Airport’s airfield team in delivering this.

Ger Lawlor

Design Manager for Electrical Engineering Infrastructure, Dublin Airport

Since 2005 ATG Airports have worked with Rockbrook. During this time we have developed a great professional relationship working together in maintaining the Airfield Lighting Control System installed at Dublin International Airport. The serviceability of this system is critical to ensure safe movements for aircraft around the airfield, a huge part in Irelands transport sector. Rockbrook provide a fantastic service, ensuring this critical system is working efficiently and effectively. Here’s to many more years working together.