Belfast City Airport hopes to remove a restriction on the number of passengers passing through the airport were given a boost today.Environment Minister Lord Rooker said his officials believed that passenger numbers were not an appropriate measure to control the airport's operation.He also announced that before taking a final decision on the issue, he intended to convene an independent inquiry and consider its report.He said the inquiry would enable all interested parties to put forward their views on the issue.

Belfast City Airport said this restriction dated back to the original 1980s terminal building which consisted of temporary buildings and also admitted numbers had already exceeded the cap, but said it had kept the planners informed.

Residents' groups in east Belfast and Holywood have expressed concerns that raising the ceiling would mean more flights and more noise. The Airport maintains, however, that an increase in passenger numbers does not necessarily mean more aircraft movements.

Today's announcement by Lord Rooker said that the DoE decision followed a public consultation.

The Minister said representations had been received from interested parties including BCA, Belfast International Airport, the airlines, residents' groups and the public.