Health concerns raised over Belfast City Airport runway extension
03.10.09
The long-running row over Belfast City Airport's plans to extend its runway intensified yesterday as details emerged of the serious health and safety concerns the project would have on residents in east Belfast. The Belfast Telegraph revealled the details of warnings given by the Eastern Health & Social Services Board (EHSSB) - now absorbed by the new Public Health Agency - over possible safety implications and the detrimental effect extending the runway would have on the quality of life of those living under its flightpath.
The airport has applied to extend its runway by 590 metres in the direction of Belfast Lough to accommodate larger planes from more foreign destinations - a move which has angered residents worried about noise levels. The EHSSB made a submission to planners and a health impact assessment is also under consideration.
Correspondence between the EHSSB and Planning Service has been obtained by the newspaper under the Freedom of Information Act. In the correspondence the board pointed out that:
- Increased use of the runway would degrade the quality of life of people living under the flightpath
- A longer runway could hamper rescue services in the event of an emergency landing
- There would be an increased risk of bird strikes posed by a nearby wildlife sanctuary
- The close proximity to major and dense housing areas would pose new safety risks
- The airport could run foul of future EU noise and air quality regulations
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