Speaking on the eve of an Assembly debate on the issue, TUV MEP Jim Allister has said he supports a public enquiry into the proposed runway extension at George Best City Airport.

The MEP said,
“While I am a supporter and regular user of the City Airport, I believe that local residents have the right to have their concerns adequately heard, in a manner which gives confidence that their concerns will be fully considered.”

“I have written to Planning Minister Sammy Wilson, urging the importance of a long-term strategic approach to be taken by Government towards the future development of our airports, as the best way of safeguarding the long-term commercial interests of Northern Ireland. We must avoid a situation where a single airline operator dictates a particular way forward, which could ultimately be highly detrimental to air travel in this part of the United Kingdom. Therefore, the Northern Ireland public have a right to be involved in having their say on these issues.”