Ireland's busiest airport runway closing next week to repair taxiway damage from heavy rainfall  

The taxiway handles 150,000 aircraft every year and needs repairs due to surface breakup from exceptionally heavy recent rainfall

Ireland's busiest runway will close for three days next week for essential repairs after recent heavy rains have caused the taxiway surface to break up, Dublin Airport management said. 

Ireland's busiest runway will close for three days next week for essential repairs after recent heavy rains have caused the taxiway surface to break up, Dublin Airport management said. 

Dublin Airport confirmed its South Runway (10R/28L) will be out of service from Monday for 72 hours for essential repairs to be carried out on the main taxiway (Taxiway Sierra) serving the runway. The taxiway handles upwards of 150,000 aircraft every year and repairs are required due to surface breakup caused by the exceptionally heavy recent rainfall.

"Safety is a non-negotiable for us at Dublin Airport and the maintenance and upkeep of our runways, aprons and wider airfield is central to that. These works are both essential and urgent as we get ready to enter our busiest months of the year" said Dublin Airport managing director Gary McLean.

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations require Dublin Airport to maintain runway and taxiway surfaces to prevent irregularities and avoid foreign object debris that could pose a safety risk to aircraft and passengers.

The South Runway will close from 9am on Monday, March 9 9am on Thursday, March 12. All aircraft operations will take place on the airport's North Runway (10L/28R) during this period.

A team of over 100 personnel will carry out the works, which will include removing 50 millimetres of the existing surface material and laying new asphalt, removing and reinstating 40 airfield ground lights, and associated cabling and electrical works; and the reinstatement of all pavement markings. All of the work is subject to weather conditions - if conditions are unsuitable, the work will be rescheduled.

"We are very conscious that runway operations during this period will result in an increase in noise levels for some local residents and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We will work to complete the repairs safely and as efficiently as possible to minimise disruption," said Mr McLean.