The way airport noise is monitored in Northern Ireland is to be reviewed, Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson has said.

Professor Callum Thomas, of the Centre for Air Transport and the Environment at Manchester Metropolitan University, will undertake the review.

Mr Robinson said he was aware of concerns in recent months by east Belfast residents over noise from Belfast City Airport.

The review comes in the wake of a government consultation document on air services to and from Northern Ireland.

The review will examine the situation at airports elsewhere and employ current best practice

Peter Robinson

It highlighted the issue of the environmental impact of future airport growth.

It is thought the review's findings will be used in Northern Ireland's response to that document.

"My department aims to ensure that the way this information is presented in the future will be in a format that will be easier to access and interpret by those affected," said Mr Robinson.

"The review will examine the situation at airports elsewhere and employ current best practice within the aviation industry for monitoring noise pollution."

Extensive monitoring of noise pollution at Belfast City Airport was carried out in March.

The regional development and environment departments at Stormont are currently considering its findings.