PRESS RELEASE

City of Derry Airport Committee recommends investing in the long-term development of the Airport

17 October 03

Members of the City of Derry Airport Committee will make a recommendation to a special meeting of Derry City Council that endorses the making of a major investment in the strategic development of the airport for the region. The Committee have recommended to proceed with the runway extension, west of the existing runway. This decision is subject to the availability of suitable capital funding with a further agreement to explore the capping and refinancing of existing running costs.

This overall strategic development plan consists of two major projects the first including runway extension, ancillary works such as lighting. The second project at a later stage will include investment in the terminal and car park facilities. The recommendation also includes the establishment of a special project team to advance the implementation of this proposal. Chairman of the City of Derry Airport Committee, Cllr William Hay said:

“Members of the Airport Committee have received a series of reports that outlined the risks and opportunities associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure at the City of Derry Airport. Our recommendation will create opportunities for the strategic development of the facility, additional scheduled services and increased passenger throughput.

“The Committee is aware of and is sensitive to the range of issues involved, in particular those facing the residents in the area. As agreed we will be meeting again with the residents next week to share the information from the technical consultants and explain the rationale behind the recommendations that were made.

“At the Special Council Meeting on the 23rd members will receive the technical and investment reports and will consider the implications of this for Council and the region. The Committee have recommended that the project will proceed subject to the availability of suitable capital funding with an agreement to discuss options for sharing the running costs of the facility”.

Subject to the decision taken by the Special Council Meeting a project team will be established to progress the delivery and implementation of the strategic development plan and to finalise a formal funding application to both governments accompanied by a detailed economic appraisal.

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