Former Stormont trade minister Sir Reg Empey has today warned the operators of Belfast City Airport not to push their luck with local residents.

Mr Empey's warning follows a question put in the House of Commons by Roy Beggs to the Secretary of State as to whether Belfast City Airport had written to the NIO asking for a review of the present operational planning arrangements.

Angela Smith, responding for the Secretary of State, said that they had.

Speaking this morning, Mr Empey said: "I have written to Angela Smith this morning requesting an urgent meeting. I, other public representatives and local residents are keen to renew our objections to any further changes to the operating hours of the airport.

"Last March, I along with others received an assurance that any changes would be subject to a public inquiry. Furthermore Belfast City Council passed a unanimous resolution last year as to the operating hours of the airport. I will be pointing out to the Minister that there has been no let up in the number of complaints received about the airport.

"I am perfectly prepared to allow the department full access to our files to show that these are very real concerns.

"While I and others value the airport as a local employer, a balance has been struck between the needs of the travelling public and the rights of local residents."

Current planning restrictions prohibit the operation of the airport between 6.30am and 9.30pm (subject to air traffic delays etc.). However, it is estimated that on average 500 flights a year have been coming in after 9.30pm.

There are also restrictions as to the number of seats being offered on scheduled flights, which currently stands at 1.5 million, and is believed to have been reached.

(MB)