The municipal executive of Lisbon this Wednesday rejected the proposal of the President of the Mayor demanding compensation for the increase in the number of flights at Humberto Delgado Airport, but approved the proposals of PS, PCP and BE defending the rapid transfer to Alcochete and measures against noise.
When voting on four proposals for the announced capacity increase at Lisbon Airport, councilors approved the PS motion signed by Inez Drummond, Pedro Anastasio and Pedro Segoño: “No to Lisbon Airport capacity expansion!”
The proposal, approved despite votes against the Novos Tempos coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança), expresses “firm and vehement opposition to the increase in airport capacity in an infrastructure that is built into the urban fabric of Lisbon, which is anachronistic and practically an unprecedented situation on a European scale”, which has a negative impact on the quality of life of those who live and work in the city.
The document proposes holding an extraordinary meeting of the public chamber before the end of July to discuss the consequences of increasing airport capacity, inviting environmental associations, residents and officials.
It also argues that the ANA concessionaire must “immediately implement the provisions of the Noise Action Plan.”
It also approved a requirement for the government that “any work aimed at increasing the capacity of Humberto Delgado Airport should be preceded by an environmental impact study and environmental impact assessment.”
The proposal also calls for “a study of the various impacts of Lisbon Airport, focusing on the various identified sources of pollution”, including noise and emissions, “taking into account the impact of current traffic on public health, life and the environment” and request ANA all “studies, designs and related documentation relating to the work to be carried out at Humberto Delgado Airport.”
Council members also want the ANA and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) to provide “the current noise control plan with relevant findings, as well as inspection reports” monitoring its implementation, and for the government to submit “an expansion plan and relevant accessibility plan.”
And also a request to the APA to confirm the requirement to conduct an EIA to increase the airport’s capacity, the requirement until the construction of a new airport “to comply with the legislation applicable to flights at night, as well as their gradual reduction.” and the initiation of “a broad and collective discussion about the fate of the land that will be freed after the dismantling of Humberto Delgado Airport.”
Proposal of the PKP “For the immediate construction of a new Lisbon airport. Joao Oliveira and Ana Jara signed for the closure of Portela.
The executive approved, with Novos Tempos voting against, that the decision to build a new airport on the site of the current Alcochete shooting field “should be implemented as quickly as possible” and that any increase in traffic at the airport should be “completely rejected.” Humberto Delgado, as well as the expansion work that makes it viable.”
The clause on the “immediate cessation of night flights, as previously demanded” by the Lisbon City Council, was voted against by the PS, taking into account the reality of existing flights, but the proposal was adopted by the votes of the remaining parties.
It was unanimously approved to demand that the government and the AHA “immediately take measures to minimize and compensate for the consequences caused by the operation of the airport before its final closure as soon as possible.”
The proposal also states that “full use of existing and functioning infrastructure, such as Beja Airport, could be considered to respond to immediate needs, thereby accelerating the decontamination” of Humberto Delgado Airport, and “begin from then on a broad process of public consultation on the future land use” of existing infrastructure.
In the motion “For not increasing the number of movements per hour and the phased closure of Humberto Delgado Airport”, presented by Councilor Beatriz Gómez Díaz (BE), with nine figures, only three were approved, including a call for the government “not to increase the number of movements per hour at Humberto Delgado Airport “, which the Novos Tempos party voted against.
It also approved a study on the “phasing out of Lisbon Airport in order to protect the public health and safety of people living and working in Lisbon and neighboring municipalities,” as well as the introduction of “compensation measures for the areas around the airport that will fully cover the cost of soundproofing the home.”
The proposal “New Airport – Demand for Financial Compensation and/or Projects to Minimize Environmental Impact”, signed by Carlos Moedas (SDP) and Councilors Filipe Anacoreta Correia, Joana Almeida, Filipa Roseta and Joana Oliveira Costa, was rejected. dissenting votes from the PS, PCP, BE, Citizens for Lisbon and Free, who did not want to vote on the items.
In a document to which Lusa had access, the Social Democrat proposed that the municipality ask the government for “compensation through the Environmental Fund for a potential increase in temporary airport capacity.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.