Ireland has a long tradition of scientific innovation and discovery and DAA's plans for its airport city reflect the desire to make Ireland an attractive destination for new knowledge-based technology companies.
To that end, the master plan calls for the development of a 'green economic zone' consisting of 700,000sqm of next generation office, hotel, conferencing, R&D and industrial facilities to attract green companies - those which produce new superior technologies in a resource efficient way.
At the centre of the development is the 250,000sqm International Cleantech Services Centre (ICSC), designed to house next generation companies that concieve, research, prototype, sell and distribute newly emerging clean technologies and services.
Just as Dublin's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) became a major engine for Ireland's economic growth in the 1980s and 90s, the ICSC will underpin the country's response to the current global downturn and reposition it as a compeitive market for investment.
The centre will be housed within a distinct geographical boundary and will consist of the most energy-efficient and certifed commerical real estate in Ireland. It will be built on a phased basis over a 10-year period with first occupation expected in 2014.
From catering to front office, R&D to niche industrial and manufacturing operations, it is hoped that global Cleantech players such as Siemens, Veolia, GE and Intel will be encouraged to locate at the ICSC due to a host of benefits, including highly attractive R&D, IP and tax regimes, within a high-skills, knowledge-based economy.
Airport connectivity and access to markets, availability of research grants, university tie-ins and the clustering effect will create a great draw for cutting-edge innovative companies.
The Cleantech centre will also be 'wrapped' with a variety of green incentives and intiatives focused on attracting MNC investment as well as supporting the burgeoning indigenous Cleantech sector.
At the centre of the ICSC development will be the 50,000sqm building named the Wintergarden, an iconic initial building anchored by a high profile R&D Cleantech tenant (in possible partnership with the state/academic sector).
The building will stretch over eight storeys and include a double basement and will provide high quality office space that is flexible and adaptable to the needs of tenants, from Cleantech MNC headquarters, down to requirments of indigenous Cleantech start-ups.
Wintergarden itself will be a showcase of what clean technologies can achieve through innovative, environmentally efficent construction methods and sustainable infrastructure. Provisional plans for the new building are to be lodged with Fingal County Council in the second quarter of 2010.
Dublin Airport will also soon be served with a brand new 75,000sqm Terminal 2, boasting 58 check in desks, 9,000sqm of retail and catering space and ample provision for self-service and online check in.
A new departures gate area called Pier E forms part of an ongoing €400 million T2 development and will be capable of accomodating up to 19 aircraft simultaneously.
DAA's long-term plans also include the extension of the existing runway and the construction of a new 3,660 metre-long second runway. Once operational the new runway and Terminal 2 will give Dublin Airport a capacity in excess of 50mppa.
"The delivery of T2 will transform Ireland's premier gateway and position the country to take advantage of the economic upturn when it comes," says DAA's chief executive, Declan Collier.
"We believe the new terminal will stimulate traffic and help make Ireland a more attractive destination for investment."
