South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey comments on proposed City Airport runway expansion

Published: 24 November, 2008

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey commenting on plans to expand the runway at Belfast City Airport, has said that "it would be an important step forward if the concerns of local residents were addressed by adherence to the operational guidelines already in place and agreed to by Belfast City Airport".


The South Belfast MLA said,

"I share a number of the concerns expressed by local residents in response to the recent planning application lodged by Belfast City Airport to extend the Airport's runway.


"Clearly the development of the City Airport has been a great boost to Belfast itself, and further a field. Neither is there any doubt that the travelling public have greatly welcomed the increased opportunities to visit a growing range of destinations.


"I have recently met with residents groups opposed to any further expansion of Belfast City Airport, and I have also met with the management of the airport to discuss the recent planned developments.


"However, residents have been complaining for some time now that existing operational conditions have been regularly breached. These include flights after the night-time restrictions and the requirement for aircraft to fly in and out over Belfast Lough. Residents have also highlighted greater noise levels from aircraft consistently flying over highly populated residential areas.


"In the first instance it would be an important step forward if the concerns of local residents were addressed by adherence to the operational guidelines already in place and agreed to by Belfast City Airport.


He concluded,

"In my view any consideration of the new planning application should be in the context of, firstly, compliance with planning conditions for the operation of the airport and, secondly, maintaining the balance of Belfast City Airport as a 'city' airport, as opposed to any unnecessary further expansion". CRÍOCH