Belfast International Airport is advising passengers to leave extra time for their journey to the airport during the forthcoming G8 Summit from 14th – 19th June.
With just two weeks to go until the 2013 G8 Summit begins at the Lough Erne Golf Resort in Fermanagh, police in Northern Ireland are again reminding members of the public that they may experience a degree of disruption in the period leading up to and during the event.
Senior officers responsible for the security of the area around Belfast International Airport are especially keen to advise of potential delays for those planning to travel in or through the Antrim, Crumlin, Templepatrick, Killead or Aldergrove areas between 14th and 19th June.
D District Commander Chief Superintendent Henry Irvine, the officer in charge of the security operation, said: “As a number of the G8 world leaders and their delegations will enter Northern Ireland via Aldergrove and Belfast International Airport, it is essential that these sites along with the surrounding routes and land are kept secure.
“Over recent weeks we have implemented a security operation and have been steadily increasing our presence in the local area and within Belfast International Airport. As we approach 17th June this operation will intensify and the visible police presence will increase further.
“The police officers deployed as part of this security operation will seek to maintain the integrity of the area by implementing vehicle checkpoints, carrying out searches and other security related duties. The vehicle checkpoints in particular will mean motorists may face delays and we strongly advise that some additional time is left for any journey in this area. We would stress that this is particularly important for anyone travelling to Belfast International Airport or anyone travelling to another time critical appointment such as hospital appointments or examinations.
“Unfortunately it is impossible to predict at this stage the degree of any delay individual motorists may experience; however, we expect that the police resources deployed to the area will be such that any disruption will be kept to a minimum.
“It is our aim that throughout the security operation the community, businesses and motorists should be able to go about their daily lives as normally as possible; however, in order to make this happen we need people to work along with us by heeding the advice given.
“We have been meeting with local residents and landowners over the past number of weeks and we have written to many more to advise of the possible implications for them linked to the security operation. We are confident that there is a good degree of understanding in those communities; however, it is also extremely important that those from outside the local area also understand and anticipate that there may be some impact on them, particularly those travelling to the airport.
“People across Northern Ireland are encouraged to stay informed and up to date by finding us on Facebook – search PSNIG8, or by following us on Twitter – @PSNIG8.”
Passengers can also keep up to date by checking the airport’s website as well following on Twitter@ @BELFASTAIRPORT or on Facebook – search for Belfast International Airport.
