Poots to consider lifting seats for sale restriction at George Best Belfast City Airport
Published on Fri, 4 Jun 2010
Environment Minister Edwin Poots today announced that he is considering lifting the seats for sale restriction at George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA).
Currently under the terms of the 2008 modified Planning Agreement between GBBCA and the DOE, operators using the airport may not offer for sale on scheduled flights more than 2 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. This will commence shortly.
"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”
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.
Notes to editors:
1. DOE undertook a review of the 1997 Planning Agreement at the request of the airport in July 2004.
2. In order to move the consultation process forward openly and transparently, DOE decided to use its general planning powers to hold an Enquiry in Public (EiP) on the key issues to allow public debate on a number of matters of public interest.
3. The EiP was held during the period March-June 2006 and the panel submitted its report to the DOE in August 2006 with a number of recommendations and suggestions on how best to proceed.
4. A modified Planning Agreement was executed on 14 October 2008 following consultation with Belfast City Council, North Down Borough Council and the Airport Forum.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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. This will commence shortly.
"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”
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.
Notes to editors:
1. DOE undertook a review of the 1997 Planning Agreement at the request of the airport in July 2004.
2. In order to move the consultation process forward openly and transparently, DOE decided to use its general planning powers to hold an Enquiry in Public (EiP) on the key issues to allow public debate on a number of matters of public interest.
3. The EiP was held during the period March-June 2006 and the panel submitted its report to the DOE in August 2006 with a number of recommendations and suggestions on how best to proceed.
4. A modified Planning Agreement was executed on 14 October 2008 following consultation with Belfast City Council, North Down Borough Council and the Airport Forum.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
