THE MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council has called an emergency council meeting next week following claims that some English passengers are using the City of Derry Airport as a ‘back door’ to avoid a ban on flights from Britain to European airports.
Several councillors approached the SDLP’s Brian Tierney after it was claimed people were flying to Derry from London before travelling to Dublin for onward flights.
Independent councillors Paul Gallagher and Gary Donnelly initiated a formal “call-in” urging immediate action to protect public health following the emergence of a new coronavirus strain.
They said: “We would like to request an emergency meeting of full council to discuss a proposal to close immediately the City of Derry Airport to stop the spread of Covid-19 into our district.”
Mr Tierney said he fully understood concerns about the spread of the new variant.
He said: “I wish to advise you that I have this afternoon (Tuesday), in consultation with the chief executive, proposed that a recall of Derry City and Strabane District Council should take place in line with our standing orders.
“Therefore, an emergency meeting will be called on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 to discuss this issue,” added the Mayor.
Tags: