Dublin Airport blocked from demolishing Terminal 1 spiral ramps

The spiral ramps (left) once provided access to the fourth and fifth levels of Terminal 1 for car parking and other services. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

DAA has failed in its bid for permission to demolish the spiral ramps at Terminal 1 of Dublin Airport, as the planning board said their brutalist design is of “technical and architectural merit.”

An Coimisiún Pleanála refused the appeal to demolish the ramps, which DAA said are no longer in use and not required for airport operations.

Constructed in 1972, the ramps once provided access to the fourth and fifth levels of Terminal 1 for car parking and other services. The upper-level car park has since closed, and ongoing structural issues have required continuous remedial work as the ramps deteriorate over time.

DAA argued that demolishing the spiral ramps would address these concerns, eliminate maintenance costs, and offer an opportunity to upgrade the eastern façade of the terminal.

Fingal County Council had originally refused permission for their demolition, citing a lack of sufficient rationale and the architectural value of the structure.

In its appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, DAA’s planning representatives said they “respectfully regretted” having to call on the board’s already constrained resources to consider what they described as a “straightforward proposal.”

“Given their nature and design, there is simply no alternative use for the spirals,” it said. “The proposed demolition of the spirals is, therefore, required to meet the operational neds of Dublin Airport.” 

Despite acknowledging the architectural merit claims, DAA argued the spirals did not have the same value as other brutalist landmarks such as the Eavan Boland Library or the Belfast Museum.

It further stated that maintaining a “redundant” structure on a prime, centrally located site at the core of the airport was “simply not justified.”

However, the inspector for An Coimisiún Pleanála agreed with Fingal County Council’s decision.

She said no significant structural concerns had been identified to justify demolition.

“The spirals were constructed as part of the new terminal building in 1972 and their concrete finish reflect a distinctive architectural look typical of the brutalist period,” the inspector said.

“Notwithstanding the fact that the spirals are not a Protected Structure, it is considered that the spirals are of technical and architectural merit by virtue of their brutalist design, associated concrete construction and their unique architectural form and shape which reflect a distinctive feature adjacent to the T1 building.” 

The inspector added that the ramps are part of Dublin Airport’s architectural heritage, and demolishing them would “diminish the visual amenity on approach to Terminal 1.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for DAA said they were surprised and disappointed by the refusal from An Coimisiún Pleanála.

"The spiral ramps have not been in use for many years and their structural condition has deteriorated over time,” the spokesperson said.

“Removing them was part of our plan to enhance the airport's infrastructure and ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency for all our passengers and employees. We will review the decision in detail and consider next steps.”