Health concerns over Belfast City runway extension
03.10.09
The long-running row over Belfast City Airport's plans to extend its runway intensified yesterday after details emerged of the serious health and safety concerns the project would have on local residents. The Belfast Telegraph revealled the details of warnings given by the Eastern Health & Social Services Board (EHSSB) 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 590m in the direction of Belfast Lough to accommodate larger planes flying to 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 EHSSB 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 increased safety risks
- the airport could run foul of future EU noise and air quality regulations
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