Room for improvement in airport noise levels says Minister

The Government has admitted that Northern Ireland's main airports could improve on noise pollution levels.

Unveiling a publication of guidance for the assessment and management of noise around Northern Ireland airports, NIO Minister John Spellar said that while it was clear from the report that noise pollution was not as severe as many other airports, there was scope for improvement in the management of noise.

The Minister added: “The ‘Good Practice Guide’ published today will provide the necessary framework for delivering improvements in the assessment and management of aircraft noise at Northern Ireland’s airports.

“My Department now intends to contact each of the Northern Ireland airports to encourage them to convert the published guidance into firm action plans. We will also wish to work closely with the airports to ensure that more meaningful and transparent monitoring arrangements are introduced for the benefit of local residents and other interested parties.

“In addition, the Department will be reviewing the existing airports legislation with the aim of strengthening it where necessary."

The publication of the ‘Good Practice Guide’ follows the completion of a review of noise pollution at Northern Ireland airports undertaken for the Department for Regional Development by Professor Callum Thomas, of the Centre for Aviation Transport and the Environment, at the Manchester Metropolitan University.

(MB)