Belfast City Airport could be set to benefit from a new tram link to the city centre.
Regional development minister David Cairns announced on Tuesday that economic feasibility studies are to be carried out on two potential routes, one of which would connect the airport with the centre of the capital.
The proposed new light rail system would link the airport with the city centre, the Titanic quarter and a new shopping development at the Belfast Harbour Estate.
Sounding a cautionary note, Mr Cairns said: “Such schemes are expensive and it is important that they are fully and properly studied before decisions are taken.”
However, a new link appears to have garnered full backing from local people. Moneyreagh resident Bill Galloway welcomed the news, telling the Belfast Telegraph: “Anything that would improve the transport system has got to be a good thing.”
The airport, which was renamed George Best Belfast City Airport in honour of the football legend in March last year, offers flights from the likes of BA Connect, Flybe and bmi.
At the present time, trains run from Belfast city centre to Sydenham, from where a shuttle bus service takes passengers to the airport terminal. Alternatively, Airlink buses run from the airport to Belfast Europa Bus Centre in the city centre every 20 minutes, with tickets costing
