Victoria Park
Why does the airport need to cut down trees at Victoria Park?
George Best Belfast City Airport is required to maintain tree heights in the vicinity of the take-off and landing surfaces as part of its duty to ensure public safety. This practice is standard at all airports. The various safety surfaces are determined by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). To ensure that any necessary tree works are properly and effectively identified, the airport has regular surveys undertaken. These surveys provide detailed information on the location and height of trees within the take off and landing surfaces.
Is the cutting down of trees linked to the proposed runway extension?
No. The proposed works aim to safeguard the EXISTING runway and current operations.
The proposed works are independent of aircraft size or type, number of flights, day or night operations and the proposed runway extension.
How does the airport plan to prepare for the tree surgery? When will it take place?
Landscape Planning Ltd were appointed in 2006 by the airport and are pre-eminent in Parkland Management. There will be numerous site visits taking place in preparation of the plan.
The works will integrate into Belfast City Council Parks' five-year management plan where George Best Belfast City Airport will work closely with Belfast City Council's Woodland and Recreation Manager.
Will the process be funded by George Best Belfast City Airport?
Yes. The tree surgery works are funded by Belfast City airport. All works are carried out by Belfast City Council's Arboricultural contractor. An ecologist will also be present during the works and this will be funded by Belfast City Airport.
Does Belfast City Airport plan to replace any of the trees removed as part of the process?
Belfast City Airport ensures a phase of tree management to minimise any impacts of tree surgery. Trees will be managed by either:
- Careful selective pruning to reduce the heights to bring them to below the safety threshold or removal. This will involve the pruning of approximately 450 trees.
- The creation of coppice areas by regular cyclical cutting. This will involve creation of approximately 10 coppice areas.
- Selective removal of trees of poor condition, in areas of high density planting, which would be beneficial in any event and trees of high growth potential which would not be suitable to maintain by pruning. This will involve the removal of approximately 250 trees.
- Replacement planting to include the planting of trees of suitable species of limited potential dimensions.
Will there be any disruptions to park users during the works?
There will be no disruption to park users during works. The quality of the parkland will be maintained during the works. Replanting species are to be approved by Belfast City Council.
In consultation with Belfast City Council Parks, we aim to achieve compliance with CAA requirements and provide a park environment of unrivalled beauty.