§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on the proposed runway extension at City of Derry Airport; [144215]
(2) if he will conduct a full public consultation before a decision is made on the proposed runway extension at City of Derry Airport. [144401]
§ Mr. SpellarDerry City Council have made a funding application to both the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland authorities in relation to its proposal to further develop the City of Derry Airport. Details of the proposed phasing and cost estimates for the project are expected shortly. A decision on the council's application will depend on the outcome of technical and economic appraisals and on policy and budgetary considerations. I will be happy to receive and consider any representations from persons interested in these matters.
It will be necessary for the council to apply separately to the Planning Service of the Department of the Environment for planning permission for the proposed runway extension. As part of that process, the application will be advertised and a period of four weeks will be allowed for receipt of comments on the planning issues.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will assess the feasibility of constructing(a) a rail link to Belfast International Airport and (b) a new railway station at Belfast City Airport. [144278]
§ Mr. SpellarPrevious studies have shown that to construct a rail link to Belfast International Airport and a new railway station at Belfast City Airport would both involve considerable costs which could not be justified by the anticipated level of passenger demand.