Plans to site a new airport for Paris away from first World War graves have been welcomed by the Northern Secretary.
There had been concern in Northern Ireland that a location at Chaulnes would be selected, causing the disturbance of war graves, including those of Irish soldiers who died at the Somme in 1916.
Mr Paul Murphy yesterday visited the Somme Heritage Centre near Newtownards, Co Down, and was briefed on the development by Mr David Parker, of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Welcoming the French government decision, Mr Murphy said: "It is good news for everyone in Northern Ireland that the final resting place of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on the Somme battlefields will remain undisturbed."
He referred to the level of concern that arose from the close association with the Somme, and he recognised the distress among many who had lobbied hard against the airport proposals.
"Through the office of the Secretary of State, those concerns, which came from many different organisations and political parties across Northern Ireland, were rained at every available opportunity and at every level of government."
Mr Murphy confirmed he would visit the Somme battlefields next month, and said he would do so happy in the knowledge that the graves of those who died on the western front would be preserved.
The French parliament is debating the need for a third airport for Paris. However, it has been confirmed that Chaulnes has been ruled out.