Green Party MLA Brian Wilson has tabled an Assembly Motion calling on the Environment Minister Sammy Wilson to refer the planning application for an extension to the runway at GBBCA for a full public inquiry under Article 31 of the Planning (1991) Order.

In tabling his motion Brian Wilson stated:

It is essential that all interested parties have the opportunity to state their case on this application which has much wider economic and strategic implications than that of a mere 590 metre runway extension.

There is a danger that under pressure from the GBBCA and Ryanair that approval could be given without a full examination of the environmental and economic issues involved.

The GBBCA argue that any environmental impact the extension may have will be more than offset by the economic benefits to the community. A public inquiry would give the applicants the opportunity to prove their case.

We believe that the environmental disadvantages suffered by the residents of North Down and S&E Belfast will be greatly exacerbated by the proposed extension. While it may provide economic benefits for GBBCA and Ryanair the proposed extension is in fact incompatible with the present and future economic interests for Northern Ireland PLC.

We believe the case for a public inquiry such as the one proposed for Heathrow is overwhelming.
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