Galway Airport plans back to the drawing board
THE process of coming up with a blueprint for the future of the disused Galway Airport site has been described as “a farce”.
Galway’s County Councillors aired their frustration and annoyance at how plans for the 118-acre site were being progressed and told County officials that they had been left in the dark.
The site in Carnmore was purchased by Galway City and County Councils back in 2013 but a specific plan for its development has yet to be drawn up or agreed upon.
The Bidding Process
A joint statement by the City and County councils stated that after many months of consideration, they wouldn't be going ahead with any of the six proposals that were put forward for the site.
Six bidders came forward but following detailed assessments by a team of experts, none were deemed suitable to proceed. A report of the findings wasn’t circulated to councillors on grounds of commercial sensitivity.
“This whole process has been a farce. The site is in the Municipal District I represent, yet we have been given very little information about the six bidders,” commented Corrandulla Councillor James Charity at a meeting of Galway County Council.
Director of Infrastructure Liam Hanrahan said a joint committee, comprised of county and city councillors, would be formed to assess what should be done with the airport.
More information needed
“People put their faith in this process, but we need more information made available to us if we are going to make an informed decision on the airport’s future,” remarked Athenry Cllr Cillian Keane.
“The site needs to serve the people of Galway. We need to make our minds up; we can’t keep waiting to make a final call. I don’t even remember the site ever operating as an airport,” noted the 25-year-old.
Mr Hanrahan acknowledged councillors’ frustration over the length of time it was taking to make a decision on the airport. He said they needed to “be fussy” to make sure they got the best deal for the people of Galway.
Following a suggestion from councillors Mary Hoade and Noel Thomas, councillors will attend a workshop in a bid to keep them informed of any proposed plans.
“I think it’s clear from today’s meeting that nobody here wants to lose the airport,” stated Williamstown Councillor Declan Geraghty.
“The city and county councils need to thrash out suggestions for the site together. It would be great for us to leave a legacy by developing something there,” he concluded.
Proposed plans for airport
Several suggestions for the airport’s future have already been mooted, among them a new aviation school, a centre of excellence for Galway Ladies Gaelic Football or a base for air ambulances.
The final decision on any proposals will be made by councillors in both the city and county, who need to approve any plans to sell, lease or develop the site.