Dublin Airport is trialling an automated border control system that will see certain passengers able to use electronic passport verification. The trial is the first of its kind in Ireland.
Thanks to technology developed by Accenture, such as high speed and accuracy facial recognition, the system can scan passports and verify that the user is the person to whom the document was issued.
For the trial period, Irish, EU, EEA and Swiss passengers over 18 years of age will be able to go to the automated gate, scan their passport and have the picture verified electronically. The system is already in use in Heathrow and Schiphol Airport, and the technology is in use in the Biometric Matching Systems which supports the EU Schengen Area’s visa programme.
The trial is being run in cooperation with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and is supported by automated border gate technology provided at no cost to the State by SITA and Accenture.
"Border control arrangements at Dublin Airport are currently undergoing major change," said Minister Shatter. "Civilian immigration officers are replacing Gardaí with the aim of freeing up Garda resources for other policing duties, immigration control processes are being reviewed and leading-edge border technology such as automated gates is being tested.
"Many major European airports are adopting a similar trend towards the deployment of automated gates for immigration control functions to enhance passengers’ experience on arrival at airports while also strengthening border security. The trial period will test the suitability of e-gates for use at Dublin airport with a view to providing a more secure and efficient means for clearing passengers through immigration control. I look forward to receiving recommendations on the future use of such technology on conclusion of the trials."
Located at Pier A/D in Terminal One, which facilitates the entry of 4.4 million passengers to the State every year, the e-gates offer certain categories of arriving passengers a self-service channel to clear immigration control rather than the conventional process of presenting at a manned immigration booth. In time, it is hope that this will also speed up the entry clearance process for all tourists and travellers. E-gates will also help strengthen border security as the technology will allow for the early interception of false documents and illegal entry into the State.
The e-gates are being operated under the supervision of immigration officers of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service deployed at the airport as part of the civilianisation programme to transfer certain immigration control functions from An Garda Síochána.
"The global economic climate is driving an expectation to reduce operational costs and streamline processes at border crossings," said Ger Daly, MD, global public safety business, Accenture, "as national security agencies seek to increase safety requirements and consumer demand for improved airport services increase. Airports are now under pressure from all sides to be flexible and cost-efficient while offering a positive traveller experience and the highest security possible. Accenture is delighted to work with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and Department of Justice to implement this trail at Dublin Airport. We have no doubt the new e-gates will create a better travel experience for users and help reduce waiting times within the arrivals hall at Terminal 1 over the busy summer months."
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