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George Best Belfast City Airport: Inquiry to examine route changes attempt George Best Belfast City Airport: Inquiry to examine route changes attempt
(about 3 hours later)
A public inquiry will examine an attempt by George Best Belfast City Airport to change part of its planning agreement to pursue more direct European routes. A public inquiry examining an attempt by George Best Belfast City Airport to change part of its planning agreement to pursue more direct European routes has opened in Belfast.
The inquiry in Belfast is scheduled to hear evidence over four days, beginning on Monday. The inquiry is scheduled to hear evidence over four days, beginning on Monday.
It has been told that the environment minister will not be bound by its final recommendations.
The airport wants to remove a 'seats for sale' cap.The airport wants to remove a 'seats for sale' cap.
But number of residents groups in areas under flight paths have concerns over noise. But a number of residents groups in areas under flight paths have concerns over noise.
The airport is limited to selling no more than two million departing seats per year.The airport is limited to selling no more than two million departing seats per year.
It argues that this a barrier to growth.It argues that this a barrier to growth.
Larger planesLarger planes
Much of the inquiry will focus on noise control.Much of the inquiry will focus on noise control.
A recommendation will be made to Environment Minister, Mark H. Durkan, who will make a final decision. A recommendation will be made to Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, who will make a final decision.
Airport chief executive Brian Ambrose said it wanted the change to enable it "to compete and actively pursue additional airlines and more direct European routes".Airport chief executive Brian Ambrose said it wanted the change to enable it "to compete and actively pursue additional airlines and more direct European routes".
He added: "No larger planes will use the runway than currently do so."He added: "No larger planes will use the runway than currently do so."
But Belfast City Airport Watch, a group representing residents, argue the airport's attempt to alter planning is "unacceptable".But Belfast City Airport Watch, a group representing residents, argue the airport's attempt to alter planning is "unacceptable".
Chairperson Liz Fawcett said: "We have evidence that many residents already suffer disrupted sleep, higher stress and poorer quality of life, due to existing levels of aircraft noise."Chairperson Liz Fawcett said: "We have evidence that many residents already suffer disrupted sleep, higher stress and poorer quality of life, due to existing levels of aircraft noise."
Around 2.5 million passengers use the airport annually - a figure representing both departing and incoming travellers.Around 2.5 million passengers use the airport annually - a figure representing both departing and incoming travellers.