A civil engineering firm that erected the largest-ever crane in Ireland near Dublin airport was fined €750 yesterday for breaching regulations on the safety of aircraft near high structures.
Pierce Contracting, Mulhuddart, Dublin, pleaded guilty to breaching 2002 regulations requiring it to notify the Irish Aviation Authority of the installation of high-level structures within the 10km "danger zone" for the protection of aircraft.
Dublin District Court heard the location of the crane, at Santry Cross, could have had serious consequences had an aircraft emergency occurred.
Although it was 2.3km from the airport and not in the flight path of the main runway, it was in the path that an aircraft would take in an emergency situation.
The firm immediately co-operated with the authorities once it became aware of the problem and warning lights were installed on the crane.
A solicitor for the company said it was genuinely not aware of the relatively new regulations.
Judge Ann Watkin said it was a serious offence which "could have led to a horrendous event and cost many lives". Given the firm's plea and the review of its practices, she imposed a fine of €750 with a contribution to the aviation authority's legal costs of €1,500.