Shannon Airport has today announced that one hundred construction jobs are to be created in a major €15 million project to upgrade the airport’s runway, the longest runway in Ireland at 3,199 metres (almost two miles).
 
Dublin based specialist in this area, Lagan Asphalt Group with offices in Tulla in County Clare, has been appointed by the airport to undertake the project. The appointment follows their successful bid under an EU tender process.
 
The airport’s runway, built in 1961 was last fully rehabilitated in 1983 and has under gone regular maintenance over the intervening years. A full resurfacing of 2,400m of the 3199m runway is now required. 
 
Work on the project, includes the rehabilitation of the runway surface, the replacement of runway edge and centre line lighting with energy efficient LED lighting, ducting and other associated works. These works are scheduled to ensure that Ireland’s longest runway continues to meet the strict regulations governing the operation and specification of runways at major airports. The project is being financed through a loan secured from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.
 
Work will commence immediately and will take approximately 26 weeks to complete. The works are scheduled to take place at night, five days a week (excluding Sundays and Monday’s) and will not impact on any scheduled services at the airport for the duration of the project.
 
Speaking today, Chief Executive and Chairman of the Lagan Group, Kevin Lagan said, "As a company that provides a full range of construction services, runway rehabilitations and associated works are an important part of our business. With its expertise Lagan Asphalt offers support to a diverse range of customers across Ireland, the UK and internationally to meet a growing demand for infrastructure. The Lagan Group continues to rank among the leading quarry materials, bitumen, construction products and civil engineering companies in the market."

Source: www.businessworld.ie