Poots Flies Into City Airport Controversy

Local residents say they're furious that the Stormont Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, has said he's likely to lift the official limit on passenger numbers at George Best Belfast City Airport.

Belfast City Airport Watch (BCAW), which represents residents in east and south Belfast, and in north Down, said today that any such move would have grave implications for the tens of thousands of local people affected by aircraft noise.

"We're horrified at the potential implication of allowing the airport to handle as many passengers as it wishes," said BCAW's Steering Group Chair, Dr Liz Fawcett.

However, Mr Poots has underlined that no decision has been made.

"I would wish to stress at this point that I have not made a final decision and that l will carefully consider the consultation responses before I do so," he said today in his announcement that he is considering lifting the 'seats for sale' restriction at George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA).

Currently under the terms of a Planning Agreement, operators using the airport may not offer for sale on scheduled flights more than two million seats from the airport in any period of 12 months.

Mr Poots explained: "In considering the request from GBBCA to remove the seats for sale restriction, I acknowledge their argument that since the 2008 Agreement circumstances have changed and that flight tracking and noise monitoring equipment has been installed which now facilitates proper noise monitoring.

"Having given the matter careful consideration I am inclined to lift the restriction. That being the case I have instructed my officials to commence a consultation process with Belfast City Council, North Down Borough Council and the Airport Forum which includes representatives of the local residents' groups to seek their views," he said.

The consultation period is likely to last for eight weeks. The airport's permitted operating hours will not be affected. They remain as set out in the Planning Agreement, that is: 6.30am to 9.30pm.

GBBCA current restriction of 48,000 air traffic movements in any 12-month period will also remain in place.

The Minister has also asked his officials to enter into further discussions with GBBCA to agree an indicative noise contour for the airport, an aspect of the 2008 Agreement which remains outstanding.

But the residents remain incensed: "This decision will almost certainly lead to a significant expansion by stealth of the airport and the noise problem suffered by residents.

"Until now, the passenger restriction meant a mixture of small and large aircraft used the airport.

"If this move goes ahead, there would be nothing to stop every plane being one of the larger and noisier types which currently fly from the airport - that would be an absolute nightmare for residents," said Dr Fawcett.

"We're especially concerned that the Minister isn't holding a full public consultation on this matter - by taking this decision 'by the back door'.

"He's letting down the ordinary people whose interests he should have been putting first."

The residents also said it's very surprised that the Minister, in announcing this move, expressed satisfaction with the airport's system for noise monitoring as, just three months ago, it emerged that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK's official aviation regulator, had submitted a damning report about the airport to the Planning Service.

The detailed document raised major concerns about the way the airport measures noise levels.

See: Report Slams Runway Extension Bid

(BMcC/GK)