Airport extension plans essential for safety - Shimmin

EXTENSIONS to Ronaldsway airport, including the runway, are essential to meet safety standards without compromising the Island's service, the House of Keys heard on Tuesday.

Local Government and the Environment Minister John Shimmin said the benefits of the proposals, which involve building a promontory out into the sea, outweighed the drawbacks.

'I would reiterate that the construction of a promontory in order to provide the recommended safety zones at either end of the runway is essential in order that the current level of service provided to the Island by the airport will not be disadvantaged.

'As such it is considered that a national need exists,' he said.

'The International Civil Aviation Organisation has said implementing the improvements would be prudent even if the works were not actually required.'

The plans received planning permission in July 2007 and in a subsequent appeal the planning inspector said there was 'no better or more acceptable alternative to the proposal'.

The work will provide bigger safety areas at each end of the runway which will itself be extended and resurfaced.

*As printed in Isle of Man Examiner 20th March 08