Under the terms of the modified agreement:
- Total Air Traffic Movements are to be capped for the first time at 48,000 per year. Importantly, this figure covers both scheduled and non-scheduled air traffic movements.
- The ‘Seats for Sale’ cap will be increased from 1.5 million to 2 million with the requirement that a forecasting and scrutiny system should be established and that noise and track keeping equipment as part of a new radar system should be installed. This will provide detailed information on noise and flight patterns associated with airport operations and will be monitored on a regular basis.
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said:
"The modified Planning Agreement represents the outcome of a lengthy, open and transparent review including consultation with Belfast City Council and North Down Borough Council plus the Airport Forum which includes representatives of the local residents' groups.
"Careful consideration has been given to all representations that have been made and I am satisfied that the modified agreement represents a balance between the concerns of the local residents and the economic benefits generated by the airport."
The modified agreement followed an Examination in Public (EiP) in 2006 on the key issues to allow public debate on a number of matters. The EiP report was submitted to the Department in August 2006 with a number of recommendations and suggestions on how best to proceed.
Notes to editors
- DOE undertook a review of the 1997 Planning Agreement at the request of the airport in July 2004.
- In order to move the consultation process forward openly and transparently, DOE decided to use its general planning powers to hold an EiP on the key issues to allow public debate on a number of matters of public interest.
- 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. A copy of the EiP Report can be found on the Planning Service website
- A draft modified Planning Agreement which represents the outcome of this review issued to Belfast City Council and North Down Borough Council plus the Airport Forum which includes representatives of the local residents' groups on May 22, 2008 for consideration and comments by July 4, 2008.
- For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
