Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dublin Airport Power Failure.

Patrick McCartan

Question:

32 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the investigations which were held into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the main air traffic control system at Dublin Airport on 21 July 1990 and the simultaneous failue of the emergency back-up system, resulting in the total closure of the airport for almost two hours; if, in view of the safety implications of this failure, he will outline the steps which have been taken to ensure it does not reoccur; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan)

Dublin Airport was closed to all traffic from 12.30 hours to 14.10 hours on 21 July 1990 following a power failure at the new State Services Building, which also involved an apparent failure in the back up emergency generator. I must emphasise that safety was not endangered by the power failure and that the air traffic control personnel on duty had communications with aircraft at all times. The temporary closure of the airport was to ensure that safety standards would not be breached while the power failure problem was being resolved.

Initially, power was restored at 13.40 hours and, at 14.10 hours, operations resumed on a limited basis, which gradually increased until full operations were restored around 21.00 hours that evening following a complete check on the various systems and sub-systems in use.

On the day of the incident, I initiated a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. I am satisfied that the failure was an isolated event and that procedures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.