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09/12/2009
City Airport Extension 'Granted'
Plans to approve a controversial runway extension at Belfast City Airport have been drawn up without a public inquiry, according to SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell
Dr McDonnell said he understood the planning application had been given the full support of Environment Minister Edwin Poots.
He said there needs to "absolute transparency" surrounding any decision on the implications of the runway extension.
"The necessary public confidence in the political process can only be achieved if that decision, one way or the other, is made after a full public inquiry," said the South Belfast MP.
Dr McDonnell suggested the decision was made against the backdrop of Northern Ireland having no official aviation strategy.
"It is incredible that in terms of the economic blueprint for Northern Ireland we are still waiting for such a key business and tourism plan," he said.
"My information is that the Minster will make a public announcement by the end of the month in relation to the airport runway.
"The Minister and his department will try and sell this scheme by stressing that it will 'only be an additional 500 metres' of tarmac."
The proposed runway extension project has been described by the management of the city airport as a vital part of its development plan.
The project has received significant public support from Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, one of the main airlines currently using the airport.
(PR/KMcA)
Dr McDonnell said he understood the planning application had been given the full support of Environment Minister Edwin Poots.
He said there needs to "absolute transparency" surrounding any decision on the implications of the runway extension.
"The necessary public confidence in the political process can only be achieved if that decision, one way or the other, is made after a full public inquiry," said the South Belfast MP.
Dr McDonnell suggested the decision was made against the backdrop of Northern Ireland having no official aviation strategy.
"It is incredible that in terms of the economic blueprint for Northern Ireland we are still waiting for such a key business and tourism plan," he said.
"My information is that the Minster will make a public announcement by the end of the month in relation to the airport runway.
"The Minister and his department will try and sell this scheme by stressing that it will 'only be an additional 500 metres' of tarmac."
The proposed runway extension project has been described by the management of the city airport as a vital part of its development plan.
The project has received significant public support from Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, one of the main airlines currently using the airport.
(PR/KMcA)
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25 February 2009
Airport Extension 'Inquiry Decision' Welcomed
The Stormont Assembly has voted in favour of a full public inquiry into the controversal bid to extend the runway at Belfast's George Best City Airport. Although a victory for those campaigning against the proposed runway extension, the decision won't actualy make that much difference.
Airport Extension 'Inquiry Decision' Welcomed
The Stormont Assembly has voted in favour of a full public inquiry into the controversal bid to extend the runway at Belfast's George Best City Airport. Although a victory for those campaigning against the proposed runway extension, the decision won't actualy make that much difference.
29 January 2009
Stormont Urged To Debate City Airport Runway Plan
Conflicting views over the benefits of the proposed runway extension at Belfast City Airport are to reach the Assembly floor. The Green Party's Brian Wilson has tabled a motion at Stormont calling for a public inquiry into the development.
Stormont Urged To Debate City Airport Runway Plan
Conflicting views over the benefits of the proposed runway extension at Belfast City Airport are to reach the Assembly floor. The Green Party's Brian Wilson has tabled a motion at Stormont calling for a public inquiry into the development.
11 August 2010
Inquiry Into City Airport Extension 'Crashes'
Residents from east Belfast have welcomed a tough stance taken by the Planning Appeals Commission, which has this week halted the public inquiry into the proposed runway extension at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Inquiry Into City Airport Extension 'Crashes'
Residents from east Belfast have welcomed a tough stance taken by the Planning Appeals Commission, which has this week halted the public inquiry into the proposed runway extension at George Best Belfast City Airport.
02 March 2010
Report Slams Runway Extension Bid
Campaigners have again called for the rejection of a controversial runway extension plan submitted by George Best Belfast City Airport.
Report Slams Runway Extension Bid
Campaigners have again called for the rejection of a controversial runway extension plan submitted by George Best Belfast City Airport.
24 May 2011
City Airport Hits Back Over Inquiry Delay
A proposed runway extension at George Best Belfast City Airport is once again flying into controversy.
City Airport Hits Back Over Inquiry Delay
A proposed runway extension at George Best Belfast City Airport is once again flying into controversy.
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