Residents criticise Belfast City over new rise report
25.11.08
Residents in east Belfast say the latest noise report on Belfast City Airport proves increasing numbers of large aircraft are pushing up the noise levels, the Belfast Telegraph reports. The number of people living within the 54dB (decibel) leq (equivalent sound level) noise contour has increased from 12,084 in summer 2007 to 18,859 this summer, while the number within the 57dB contour has more than doubled from 3,522 to 7,819.
The report by Bickerdike Allen Partners says the noise contours measured near the airport over the peak summer period increased by up to 34% since last summer. It says the change was caused by an the increase in large aircraft using the airport.
The report, presented to Belfast City Council last week, says the cause of the increase is largely attributed to a change in aircraft mix. More than half of aircraft movements in 2007 were by the Dash 8-400, but in 2008 this type was responsible for just over a third of movements.
Belfast City Airport Watch said the report is proof that residents are not suddenly imagining the increase in noise. Spokeswoman Fiona McKinley said: ‘Now that there is evidence of the huge increase in noise in the last year, the unsuitability of these large jets and evidence of even more noise from jets going fully fuelled to European destinations, it really is time for both Sammy Wilson as minister for the DoE and Conor Murphy as minister for the DRD to look after communities.’
An airport spokesman told the newspaper: ‘With the growth that Belfast City Airport has experienced over the last year it is natural that the noise contours will have risen. All airports are located near residential areas but unlike others, residents close to Belfast City are afforded a greater deal of protection through the strict opening hours and the fact no cargo aircraft or wide-bodied aircraft ever use the airfield.'
‘While the number of residents experiencing noise has risen, no houses fall within the 63 DB contour that would trigger a response by the airport over and above actions that have already been implemented. In response to the community the airport is undertaking the installation of a noise and tracking system which will monitor all levels of noise at the airport.’
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