The reconstruction of the main runway at Cork Airport has taken a major step forward thanks to a new appointment.

Colas Limited, who secured the main reconstruction contract for the project, has called on Atkins to deliver multidisciplinary design services.

This project forms part of a €40 million-plus investment in Cork Airport for 2020-2022, representing the fastest large-scale construction project undertaken in Ireland in recent years with only 12 months from funding approval to completion.

A member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, Atkins is providing runway pavement, airfield ground lighting and drainage design services to the project. Collaboration with Colas and the daa team began with early contractor involvement, followed by design development and Irish Aviation Authority approval. Atkins successfully identified significant cost savings during design development, through managed value engineering and advanced pavement analysis.

Commenting on the new appointment, Henry Poh, Aviation Lead for Atkins, Ireland, said: "Drawing upon our wealth of aviation experience both in Ireland and around the world, we are proud to have successfully delivered this project to date. We look forward to collaborating with Colas and daa on the next stages, future-proofing Ireland's fastest growing airport for many years to come."

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Colas Limited will work closely with the team at Cork Airport to deliver this project, which is also expected to support in excess of 250 local construction and supply chain jobs throughout Munster during its delivery.

Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, commented: "This will be the single biggest investment by any Government at Cork Airport and, when complete, it will serve as a key strategic asset for Cork and the entire region over the next 20 years.

"The funding, which has been made available to Cork Airport in 2021, is a clear indication of the importance that Government attaches to this airport and its capacity to weather the current crisis and to plan for recovery and growth into the future."

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, added: "The rebuilding of the main runway is the largest construction project to be undertaken at Cork Airport since the building of the new terminal 15 years ago. The construction programme includes a reconstruction of the main runway and the replacement of the airfield electrical systems, ducts and pits. These are all between 20 and 30 years old and the resulting electrical upgrade will reduce our runway electrical carbon footprint by 70%. These works are necessary to ensure that the main runway at Cork Airport continues to meet and exceed strict national and international regulations governing the operation and specification of runways at major airports and position us well for the future. With our physical infrastructure rebuilt, we are fully committed to rebuilding our business and connectivity and making Cork Airport once again the second largest airport in the State and connecting the South of Ireland with the world."