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

Support for public inquiry into proposed City Airport expansion

Published: 8 December, 2008

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey and the Party's East Belfast representative Niall Ó Donnghaile have expressed their support for the call by the 'Belfast City Airport Watch' group for a public inquiry into the proposed runway extension at Belfast City Airport.


Alex Maskey and Niall Ó Donnghaile made the call after Niall and Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker attended this evening's public meeting organised by the 'Belfast City Airport Watch' group held in Ballynafeigh Community House.


Alex Maskey MLA said

"Sinn Féin fully supports the demand by local residents for a public inquiry into the expansion proposals at the Belfast City Airport. I have stated previously that I do not believe that existing planning conditions are being adhered to by the Airport Management and therefore there is no reason to believe that in the event of permission being granted for the proposed extension that any future restrictions would be respected.

Speaking after attending this evening's meeting Mr Ó Donnghaile said,

"I have listened to the concerns of residents from both South and East Belfast and I share many of their concerns about this proposed expansion.


"Clearly, there are clear social and environmental issues at stake here. In addition to this 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 this context, we Sinn Féin will continue to support the call of local residents for a public inquiry into this proposed extension".

CRÍOCH