COMMITTEE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER 2010,
ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:
Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Cathal Boylan (Chairperson)
Mr Willie Clarke
Mr Patsy McGlone
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr Peter Weir
Mr Brian Wilson

In Attendance:
Dr Alex McGarel (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Sean McCann (Assistant Clerk)
Mr Nathan McVeigh (Clerical Supervisor)
Ms Antoinette Bowen (Clerical Officer)

Apologies:
Mr Thomas Buchanan

The meeting began in public session at 12.48 a.m.

1. Apologies

Apologies are listed above.

2. Belfast City Airport Briefing on seats for sale

A representative from Belfast City Airport briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on seats for sale.

The main areas of discussion were the restriction on seats for sale at Belfast City Airport, noise contour monitoring, enforcement of the Planning Agreement, flights in exceptional circumstances, pollution and the mix of aircraft in use at the airport.

Mr Clarke left the meeting at 1.24p.m.

Agreed: That Belfast City Airport provides the Committee with statistics in relation to pollution levels as a result of airport operations.

4. Belfast City Airport Watch Briefing on seats for sale

Representatives from Belfast City Airport Watch briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on seats for sale.

The main areas of discussion were the enforcement of regulations on the airport, the impact of flights on local residents and schools and the consultation process on the seats for sale issue.

Mr Ross left the meeting at 1.44p.m.

Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking for information in relation to the timetable of the consultation, the advertising process and the list of consultees.

Agreed: That Assembly Research is asked to provide information in relation to nitrogen pollution levels in areas affected by aircraft flight paths.

Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Minister recommending that he either defers a decision on lifting the cap on seats for sale until the public inquiry decision on the runway extension is made or that decisions on both issues are made in tandem.

Mr Weir wished it to be noted that he did not agree with the above decision.

Mr Weir left the meeting at 1.54p.m.

4. Date, time and place of next meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 21 October 2010 at 10.00a.m in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2.00p.m.

Cathal Boylan
Chairperson, Committee for the Environment
21 October 2010

14 October 10 / Menu