Governments split airport grant

THE British and Irish Governments are to provide three-quarters of the money needed for an extension to the runway at Derry City Airport, it was announced yesterday.

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said both would contribute equally to a grant of £14 million (€21m) to airport owner Derry City Council.

The council will pay the balance of the cost of the project, which is estimated to be £19m.

The work will involve the extension of runway safety areas, installation of new equipment and purchase of land to remove obstacles at the western end of the runway.