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22/06/2009
Airport May 'Noise Insulate' 700 Homes
It has emerged that George Best Belfast City Airport (BCA) may be forced to soundproof up to 700 homes in the vicinity to reduce the impact of aircraft engine noise.
That's according to specialist noise consultants employed by the DoE Planning Service who are currently considering a planning application by the airport for a 600 metre extension to the existing runway.
The consultancy employed by the BCA, Bureau Veritas, considered that any increase over the current limit will require "further mitigation", which would mean a bigger investment.
This is one possible resolution after a noise study in September 2008 showed an increment in the extent of the 57 dBA (decibels) noise "control" contour.
However, the supply of sound isolation for the 700 properties that are within the 60 decibels contour will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to the BCA.
Meanwhile, the residents' pressure group, Belfast City Airport Watch is continuing its campaign against the ruway extension.
They have again highlighted the fact that any increase in activity will have an adverse environmental impact.
The low cost airline Ryanair - which has a base at the airport - defended the project in a letter to Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers, arguing that the expansion would offer a "massive stimulant to economic development and job creation" in Belfast.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said last February that he was "fairly satisfied" with the proposal for a longer runway at the facility.
He said he believed the runway will be extended, despite growing opposition to the move.
But the NI Consumer Council has expressed concerns about the viability of new routes. "To date we have not seen any convincing evidence produced by BCA which supports the assertion that an expansion in the number of routes operating from the airport would prove economically sustainable in the long-term,'' said the watchdog in a submission to the Planning Service.
Now, it has emerged that the Stormont Environment Minister has been asked by Belfast City Airport Watch to reject the runway extension plan entirely, because of the shock results of a major survey on the impact of aircraft noise.
Among other figures, the survey revealed that more than three-quarters (78%) of the 412 individuals surveyed said that aircraft noise affected their sleep, in sevveral areas in the east and south Belfast and in nearby Holywood.
Fiona McKinley, a spokesperson for Belfast City Airport Watch, said the results should provide a 'wake-up' call for the Environment Minister.
"The message from the streets of east and south Belfast and from Holywood is clear – people have had enough," said Ms McKinley.
See: Ryanair Boss 'Rejects' Belfast City Runway Inquiry
See: Stormont Urged To Debate City Airport Runway Plan
See: City Airport Extension Plan Flies Into Trouble
(AC/BMcC)
That's according to specialist noise consultants employed by the DoE Planning Service who are currently considering a planning application by the airport for a 600 metre extension to the existing runway.
The consultancy employed by the BCA, Bureau Veritas, considered that any increase over the current limit will require "further mitigation", which would mean a bigger investment.
This is one possible resolution after a noise study in September 2008 showed an increment in the extent of the 57 dBA (decibels) noise "control" contour.
However, the supply of sound isolation for the 700 properties that are within the 60 decibels contour will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to the BCA.
Meanwhile, the residents' pressure group, Belfast City Airport Watch is continuing its campaign against the ruway extension.
They have again highlighted the fact that any increase in activity will have an adverse environmental impact.
The low cost airline Ryanair - which has a base at the airport - defended the project in a letter to Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers, arguing that the expansion would offer a "massive stimulant to economic development and job creation" in Belfast.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said last February that he was "fairly satisfied" with the proposal for a longer runway at the facility.
He said he believed the runway will be extended, despite growing opposition to the move.
But the NI Consumer Council has expressed concerns about the viability of new routes. "To date we have not seen any convincing evidence produced by BCA which supports the assertion that an expansion in the number of routes operating from the airport would prove economically sustainable in the long-term,'' said the watchdog in a submission to the Planning Service.
Now, it has emerged that the Stormont Environment Minister has been asked by Belfast City Airport Watch to reject the runway extension plan entirely, because of the shock results of a major survey on the impact of aircraft noise.
Among other figures, the survey revealed that more than three-quarters (78%) of the 412 individuals surveyed said that aircraft noise affected their sleep, in sevveral areas in the east and south Belfast and in nearby Holywood.
Fiona McKinley, a spokesperson for Belfast City Airport Watch, said the results should provide a 'wake-up' call for the Environment Minister.
"The message from the streets of east and south Belfast and from Holywood is clear – people have had enough," said Ms McKinley.
See: Ryanair Boss 'Rejects' Belfast City Runway Inquiry
See: Stormont Urged To Debate City Airport Runway Plan
See: City Airport Extension Plan Flies Into Trouble
(AC/BMcC)
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13 April 2011
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
19 October 2010
Residents To 'Shoot Down' Airport Seat Sale
MLAs were today being told of east Belfast residents' worries over developments at Belfast's second airport. The Stormont Assembly's Environment Committee heard their concerns about the NI Environment Minister's proposal to remove the passenger limit at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Residents To 'Shoot Down' Airport Seat Sale
MLAs were today being told of east Belfast residents' worries over developments at Belfast's second airport. The Stormont Assembly's Environment Committee heard their concerns about the NI Environment Minister's proposal to remove the passenger limit at George Best Belfast City Airport.
28 August 2002
Noise monitoring review for NI airports announced
A review of the current noise pollution monitoring arrangements used by Northern Ireland’s airports has been announced by the Department of Regional Development (DRD). The DRD review follows up on the recent publication by the Department for Transport of a consultation document on air services to and from Northern Ireland.
Noise monitoring review for NI airports announced
A review of the current noise pollution monitoring arrangements used by Northern Ireland’s airports has been announced by the Department of Regional Development (DRD). The DRD review follows up on the recent publication by the Department for Transport of a consultation document on air services to and from Northern Ireland.
06 February 2003
bmi to concentrate services at Belfast City
bmi has announced that it is to discontinue its Heathrow service from Belfast International Airport (BIA) and concentrate resources in Belfast City Airport. However, bmi will maintain a presence at BAI as bmibaby will be including Belfast International as a destination to be served from a new UK base to be announced shortly.
bmi to concentrate services at Belfast City
bmi has announced that it is to discontinue its Heathrow service from Belfast International Airport (BIA) and concentrate resources in Belfast City Airport. However, bmi will maintain a presence at BAI as bmibaby will be including Belfast International as a destination to be served from a new UK base to be announced shortly.
05 October 2001
British Midland step in to serve Heathrow
British Midland has announced that the airline will fly to London Heathrow from both Belfast City Airport and from Belfast International Airport.
British Midland step in to serve Heathrow
British Midland has announced that the airline will fly to London Heathrow from both Belfast City Airport and from Belfast International Airport.
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