Third Heathrow runway ‘crucial’ for NI connectivity

A report recommending a third runway for the UK’s biggest airport, Heathrow, has been welcomed by the body representing Northern Ireland retailers.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) said more capacity at Heathrow would give extra security to NI’s air link with the airport, improving its access to foreign business and tourism.

The Airport Commission’s conclusions, which were revealed today, have been met with opposition from environmental campaigners, as well as some senior figures in the Conservative Party, who say the runway will generate extra noise and pollution.

Prime Minister David Cameron himself ruled out the idea in 2010, while Conservative London Mayor Boris Johnson is also against the plan.

However, NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts, who had contributed to the Airport Commission report during its five-year long preparations, said the increased connectivity was “crucial” for Northern Ireland.

“As retailers, our members rely on inbound tourism, a buoyant economy and an efficient supply chain with access to producers across the globe,” he said. “For any region, air connectivity is vital to securing those needs and for Northern Ireland air connectivity is more crucial still.”

Mr Roberts said Northern Ireland required frequent access to a globally competitive hub airport, and that an extra runway would be pivotal to that access.

“Currently, that connection is with Heathrow airport and the proposed third runway will give greater future certainty of that vital air link for the economy of Northern Ireland,” he said.