An Coimisiún Pleanála (APC) has given the Dublin Airport Authority the green light to build a new runway viewing platform on the Old Airport Road. 

The plans for a dedicated viewing area will finally meet the demands of plane spotters across Ireland, who have been calling for such a facility for years. 

The current viewing area, known as ‘The Mound’, is a simple dirt hill with a cleared space for people to park. This makes for a dangerous viewing area, as there is a ditch behind it with no protection. 

Plane spotters risk falling into the ditch or slipping trying to climb ‘The Mound’ when the ground is wet. 

Plane spotting has always been a popular activity, and ‘The Mound’ is regularly full of parked cars watching the comings and goings of Ireland’s busiest airport. 

The plans include an elevated viewing platform with views of the south and crosswind runways.  

The platform will feature solar powered lighting, and a sheltered viewing area with seating. 

There will be picnic benches and the platform will be accessible to persons with reduced mobility (PRM). 

There will be upgrades to the parking arrangements, with plans for 22 spaces.  

Two of these will be dedicated to PRMs, while another two will be family-friendly parking. 

There will also be spaces for people to park their bikes. 

A dedicated airport viewing area is something that Dublin lacks compared to its European counterparts. 

Across Europe, many airports have dedicated viewing areas, either within the terminal or alongside runways or taxiways, that have plenty of facilities to provide people with a safe space to enjoy the view.  

A statement from the DAA described the project as a “gamechanger”, saying, “For decades, “The Mound” has been an informal gathering point for families and enthusiasts to watch aircraft arriving and departing Dublin Airport.” 

Kenny Jacobs, CEO of DAA, said, “This is good news for local families and the many aviation fans who love watching aircraft at Dublin Airport.” 

“The new, free‑to‑access viewing area will be safer, more comfortable and more accessible, with clear views of both runways,” Jacobs said. 

“Once we’ve worked through the planning conditions, we’ll progress delivery, fully funded by daa, and keep the community updated on timelines so people can enjoy a proper plane‑spotting experience at ‘The Mound’ for years to come,” Jacobs added.

The viewing area is sure to make a great addition to Dublin Airport, offering a welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly space for people to plane spot.