Public should be given a say on future of former airport site

PUBLIC consultation should form a part of deciding what the future holds for the former Galway airport site.

That is the view of Tuam Councillor Shaun Cunniffe after the Galway City and County Councils rejected the six potential developments put forward for the 118 acre site they jointly own.

A joint committee, comprised of county and city councillors, is set to be formed to assess what should be done with the airport.

However, Cllr Cunniffe, who has a been a longtime advocate for providing community amenities at the site, believes the public deserves to have a say on what they would like to see happen to the lands.

“I think there should be a public consultation organised, see what the people of Galway want,” commented the Independent Ireland councillor during last week’s meeting of Galway County Council.

“Maybe they want to see extra amenities created or possibly they want to develop a business park here that would lead to more jobs being created.

“I was here when the decision was made to purchase the site in 2013. I’m concerned since then we have lost sight of making sure that there is a community dividend to any project here. Why are we only solely looking at this decision on an economic basis?”

Many suggestions for the airport’s future have already been mooted, among them a new aviation school and a centre of excellence for Galway LGFA (Ladies Football).

Cllr Evelyn Parsons believes it is important that the runway is retained in any plans for the site, making sure it can be used as a base for air ambulances and search and rescue teams.

She has been contacted in the past by the Emergency Medicine Consultant Group, who described the airport as a highly strategic asset that needs to stay, given its proximity to Galway University Hospital.

“We need to serve the growing population of Galway. The runway will allow for easier access to emergency care and would be of great value to the community,” remarked Cllr Parsons.

“The airport allows for search and rescue teams and air ambulances to be facilitated in Galway. I believe aircrafts have improved too so that they can now utilise the shorter runway we have at the airport.”

Addressing their concerns, Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services for Infrastructure, explained they had laid out specific criteria for what the future of the airport entailed in a bid a deliver what is best for the people of Galway.

They do not want to go ahead with something that will be regretted, but business centres, tech hubs, aviation and sports facilities all need to be considered as options. However, their first target is looking at the site from an economic perspective.

“The airport plays a part in our County Development Plan, and the site has been deemed one of strategic importance. That means that any plans must bring an economic benefit to the region,” noted Mr Hanrahan.

Galway Airport ceased operating as a commercial airport back in 2011. It came under the joint ownership of both local authorities in 2013.