ATG Airports Awarded Waterford Airport AGL Development Project
atg airports is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant contract at Waterford Airport in Ireland, covering the design, installation and supply of the airport’s Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) systems and associated equipment. The project represents an important development for both Waterford Airport and ATG Airports, bringing together ATG’s extensive engineering expertise, in-house manufacturing capabilities and specialist installation teams to deliver a comprehensive, modern airfield lighting solution.
Comprehensive Runway and Approach Lighting
A major element of the project is the provision of new precision approach lighting for Runway 20, incorporating a 900-metre Category I approach lighting system. The installation will include the extension of the existing lighting infrastructure across Airport Road, new frangible mast foundations, relocated lighting equipment and inset pavement lighting behind the runway threshold. For Runway 02, ATG will provide a 360-metre Simple Approach Lighting System (SALS), designed to accommodate the available site boundaries and incorporating elevated frangible mast structures and inset lighting installations. The wider runway lighting scheme covers the extended 2,287-metre by 45-metre runway, incorporating high-efficiency LED edge lighting, green threshold lighting and elevated threshold wing bars, providing pilots with clear visual guidance in varying operational conditions.
Advanced Runway Turning Circle Lighting
The project also incorporates specialist lighting arrangements for the northern and southern runway turnaround loops. Blue elevated edge lights will provide guidance around both turning areas, supported by bespoke interlocking logic within the AGL control system. This control arrangement will automatically manage the runway end lighting during aircraft turnaround manoeuvres, ensuring the appropriate lights are extinguished and activated as required. The solution is designed to prevent misleading visual indications while maintaining circuit integrity and avoiding unnecessary system fault alarms.
LED PAPI and Taxiway Lighting
Both runway approaches will benefit from new four-unit LED Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems. The Runway 20 PAPI installation has been designed around local terrain constraints and the required ILS glide path alignment, while the Runway 02 installation will operate at a standard three-degree glide slope. Both installations will incorporate precision-engineered concrete foundations and frangible mounting arrangements to ensure accurate alignment and reliable operation. Further works include LED taxiway edge lighting across Taxiways Alpha, Bravo and Charlie, LED Runway Guard Lights at active runway holding positions and internally illuminated LED guidance signs at key holding points and taxiway intersections.
Micro200 CCRs and SmartControl Technology
As part of the new AGL infrastructure will be the installation of ATG’s Micro200 Constant Current Regulators (CCRs), specifically configured to support the requirements of modern LED airfield lighting circuits.
For airfield lighting control and monitoring, ATG will supply and install its SmartControl system. The system will incorporate a 22-inch operator touchscreen console within the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, together with a dedicated 19-inch monitoring screen in the CCR room. This will provide operational personnel with comprehensive visibility and control of the airfield lighting installation from both locations. Communications between the tower and AGL substation will utilise Ethernet connectivity, reducing the requirement for traditional hardwired control looms and simplifying future maintenance and fault diagnosis. All SmartControl engineering design, manufacture and configuration will be undertaken at ATG’s UK facility, including the development of the system mimic, database configuration, software address mapping and factory acceptance testing ahead of delivery to site. The system will also incorporate operational redundancy at workstation level, with additional network and hardware resilience options available to meet future operational requirements.
Integrated Engineering and Civil Infrastructure
Alongside the lighting equipment and control systems, ATG’s scope includes detailed consideration of the supporting civil and electrical infrastructure. This includes pit and duct containment design, defining duct routes, pipe sizing and draw-pit locations to support coordination with the wider civil works. Heavy-duty load-rated pits and duct banks are specified for active pavement and taxiway crossing areas, with duct proving, mandrel testing and structural verification forming part of the installation requirements. The project also addresses the planned expansion of the main apron, incorporating appropriate edge lighting and guidance provisions for the designated engine testing bay. Importantly, the design incorporates spare ducting and containment pathways along the runway and taxiway intersections. This will provide the airport with the flexibility to introduce future Category II/III lighting enhancements, including runway centreline and touchdown zone lighting, without requiring significant pavement excavation or disruption.
Supporting Waterford Airport’s Future Development
The Waterford Airport project highlights ATG Airports’ ability to deliver a complete, integrated AGL solution, combining engineering design, equipment supply, in-house manufacturing and specialist installation expertise. By taking responsibility for the design, supply and installation of the airfield lighting systems, ATG will provide Waterford Airport with a coordinated solution built around modern LED technology, intelligent control systems and infrastructure designed to accommodate future development.
The award further demonstrates ATG’s commitment to supporting airport development through innovative technology, engineering excellence and a complete turnkey approach to airfield ground lighting.