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Jet fumes cause sickness - claim Gail Walker

More than 100 people have accused Belfast City Airport of literally making them sick.

In the past four weeks about 130 residents living close to the Sydenham base have complained of nausea and headaches which they blame on aircraft fumes.

Some have suffered symptoms so severe that they have been given medication by their doctor.

Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers says the situation is so serious he has contacted the airport to see what can be done.
"At least 130 people have either rang or written to me in the last few weeks.
"They all live in the Sydenham, Inverary Park, Holywood Road, and Garnerville area and say they have been feeling very unwell.

"The problem seems to occur when the Whispering Jet 146 is preparing for take off and it depends on how bad the winds are as well.

"But I know that some people have felt so miserable they have seen their doctor for some medicine and have been told that the fumes are the likely cause of their symptoms.

"I, myself, have been observing this jet as it gets ready for take-off and there is a definite smell of fuel."

But Belfast City Airport today denied that the Whispering Jet - so named because of its low noise - could cause ill health.
A spokesman said: "We have no reason to believe the aircraft has been causing a problem.
"It has been operating out of the airport for the past five years and on a more frequent basis than it is doing now and we have not had any conplaints of this nature in the past.

"We would like to point out that these residents are also living beside a busy dual carraigeway and a railway line."

The spokesman said airport staff had met with Mr Rodgers and had now asked the councillor to put his complaints in writing.

Mr Rodgers said that he was not an opponent of the airport and added that staff at the base had been very helpful.

"This airport has brought a lot of employment for both sides of the community and I believe we have to back this. I am sure the problem can be sorted out."
