Airport expansion discussion must focus on business case

9.27.00am GMT Thu 8th Nov 2007

Alliance Economy spokesperson Cllr Ian James Parsley

Alliance Economy Spokesperson Ian James Parsley has said discussion of the expansion of Belfast City Airport must be through open debate on the business case, not complex legal challenges. His comments come as a legal challenge brought by residents' groups was thrown out by Lord Justice Girvan.

Councillor Parsley, who represents neighbouring Holywood on North Down Borough Council, stated: "Although I share some of the concerns expressed by residents to me, this is not an issue that can be successfully resolved through court challenges.

"The issue here is that the Greater Belfast area cannot support two airports offering the same set of routes. For both airports to continue to thrive, they must focus on what they are good at.

"Belfast City Airport offers a convenient location for business travellers and tourists on short breaks, but if it goes down the route of long hours and long haul it will not only annoy residents living nearby, but put its own existence at threat. The City Airport offers a better location for some types of flight - but it cannot compete with Aldergrove or even Dublin for others.

"Furthermore, the recent withdrawal of some services from the City Airport shows that there are only so many viable routes from Northern Ireland. From having had too few flight options a few years ago, we are now fast approaching saturation point.

"Therefore, the business case for expansion of the Airport is far from clear, so this is where residents' groups should focus their energies.

"I would call on all those with an interest in the expansion - whether for or against - to engage in open debate about the merits or otherwise of expansion. Agreeing an appropriate range of routes from the City Airport is to everyone's benefit - but no one will benefit from protracted legal challenges."

ENDS