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Back to Press Releases 11 April 2020

Beacon of Light beams from new IAA Air Traffic Control Tower for #ShineYourLight Campaign

  • The country’s tallest occupied building will beam a beacon of light into Irish skies from 9pm this evening as part of #ShineYourLight campaign
  • Weather depending, the beacon of light is visible as far south as Wicklow, and in parts of Meath and Louth
  • Engineers from ESB worked in partnership with the IAA to design and develop the lighting solution
  • The light will continue to shine from the control tower nightly at 9pm while the Covid-19 crisis continues acting as a symbol of hope

Dublin Airport, Saturday, 11th April  

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), in collaboration with ESB, will beam a beacon of light into the sky from the new Air Traffic Control tower at Dublin Airport at 9pm tonight (Saturday 11 April) in support of the #ShineYourLight/ #LonraighdoSholas campaign. Everyone is being encouraged to ‘shine a light’ tonight at 9pm in solidarity with all those impacted by and helping to fight Covid-19.

At 87.7m high, the IAA’s new visual control tower at Dublin Airport is the country’s tallest occupied building and, weather depending, the beacon of light is visible as far south as Wicklow, and in parts of Meath and Louth, as well as to the west and north of the airport.

Engineers from ESB worked in partnership with the IAA engineering team to design and develop the lighting solution, which will project a solid beam of light into the night sky.  The IAA and the ESB are two successful Irish global semi-state companies.  This partnership to deliver this beacon of hope for Ireland is a strong symbol of the resilience of the Irish people and the fact that the IAA and ESB continue to do all in our powers to assist the national effort against COVID-19.

IAA Chief Executive, Mr. Peter Kearney says the IAA is proud to work with ESB on this project and hopes the beacon of light will offer hope during these challenging times.

 

“The iconic new Air Traffic Control tower Dublin airport is a beacon at the gateway to Ireland and now it will shine a light for those who need it most. These are unprecedented, dark times. Virtually overnight so many people’s lives have been turned upside down because of Covid-19. The IAA’s top priority has always been to keep people safe in Irish skies. Now more than ever we need to keep each other safe, by staying apart. By shining a light, we can not only remember all those who have died or have lost loved ones due to Covid-19, we can also bring hope for the future.  When we emerge from this crisis, the IAA will be here to support the return to normal life, including air travel again. I want to also acknowledge the dedication of IAA staff who continue to keep the skies open throughout this crisis, ensuring vital cargo supplies such as food, medicines and medical supplies are delivered to Ireland.   

The beacon of light will be switched on at 9pm tonight (Saturday, April 11th) to coincide with the moment that people all over the country are being encouraged to shine a light to bring hope to people affected by Covid- 19. It will continue to shine from the control tower nightly at 9pm while the Covid-19 crisis continues and will act as a symbol of hope.

 

“ESB is proud to collaborate with the IAA in this initiative, and to stand with communities across Ireland to recognise the commitment of our frontline workers, remember the people suffering as a result of Covid-19 and reach out to those who feel anxious and isolated at this time.  It is a visual amplification of the many lights that will be lit in homes across Ireland tonight,” says Pat O’Doherty, Chief Executive, ESB. “It is also a way for us to give encouragement to our own staff in ESB who continue to work hard to bring light and energy to communities across Ireland at this very difficult time.”

ENDS

An IAA spokesperson will be available for interview. High resolution images are also available by request.

To arrange please contact:

IAA:       Alec Elliot, E: alec.elliot@iaa.ie M: 087 706 4018

ESB:       Press Office, E: corporatecommunications@esb.ie M: 087 9536640

 

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

 

About the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is a commercial semi-state company. The IAA has three main functions: the provision of air traffic management and related services in Irish controlled airspace, the safety regulation of the civil aviation industry in Ireland and the oversight of civil aviation security in Ireland. For more information about the IAA, visit: www.iaa.ie.