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

O'Leary's grandstanding cannot be allowed to deflect from real problem with airport inquiry

Published: 2 September, 2010


East Belfast Sinn Féin representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has said that the Belfast City Airport issue must be resolved, in the best interests of all concerned, by holding the public inquiry into the proposed runway extension as soon as possible.

Niall also added that people must not lose sight of the reason that this inquiry has been stalled, laying the blame firmly at the door of the Planning Service and the airport itself.

Niall Ó Donnghaile said,
"The recent decision by Ryanair to withdraw their operation from the airport has deflected attention from where the real problem lies in relation to the George Best city airport.

"The fact is that the airport has failed to supply adequate data to allow the inquiry to go ahead. The suggestion by the Planning Service that the airport could submit the information after the inquiry began would destroy the credibility of the inquiry.

"This issue can only be resolved, in the best interests of all concerned, by holding the public inquiry as soon as possible. Residents, employees and those who use the airport's services cannot be punished because of the failings of the airport and the Planning Service. We cannot allow Michael O'Leary's grandstanding to deflect from where the root of this problem lies".
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