Aldergrove Takes Off With £10m Boost

A substantial investment has been announced for Belfast International Airport at Aldergrove.

The Co Antrim facility will see major construction work get underway to update and improve facilities throughout the terminal.

NI First Minister Peter D Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness welcomed the announcement by Belfast International that it is to invest £10million in improving facilities at the airport.

Speaking at the announcement the Ministers said the investment would not only greatly enhance the experience of the five million passengers who use Belfast International Airport each year but also send a signal to other potential investors.

Mr McGuinness said: "This investment of £10million whilst our economy is in a recession should be recognised as an investment for the future.

"It is a sure sign that Belfast International Airport is positioning itself to take full advantage of the opportunities that will arise when the local economy starts to grow again and prosperity improves," he said, noting that the airport may be leading the way, but commented that he has "no doubt that other investors will quickly follow suit".

Mr Robinson said: "The Executive remains determined that Northern Ireland is a region that can compete on the global stage and attract significant inward investment.

"The first consideration most investors have concerns the quality of our transport infrastructure.

"Today's announcement coupled with redevelopment projects at two of our other local airports I believe puts us well ahead of our competitors," he said.

The privately-funded project will see the relocation of central security search to the departures concourse which will significantly speed-up passengers' journeys through the airport.

This will be followed by the construction of a new two-storey glass facade at the front of the terminal which will accommodate new lifts, stairs and escalators to reach the departures concourse and a reconfiguration of the duty free area, creating space for over 20 retail, food and beverage outlets.

The development is scheduled to be complete by summer 2010 and brings to over £35million the total amount invested in the airport in the last five years as part of an ongoing commitment to transform the look and feel of the airport and enhance customer experience.

Meanwhile, controversy still remains over a proposed extension to the runway at the rival George Best City Airport, which is in Peter Robinson's Westminster constituency.

The issue remains unresolved as residents organise strong opposition to the move.

However, the faciitity's Chief Executive, Brian Ambrose commented earlier this year: "Plans for the proposed runway extension have been welcomed across the business community and by politicians and community groups who recognise the economic and further investment benefits that as a region we can ill-afford to turn down."

See: Stormont Urged To Debate City Airport Runway Plan

(BMcC/JM)