Galway Bay FM News Archives
Airport staff face gloomy wait on their future
Date Published: 02-Jun-2011
BY CIARAN TIERNEY
The 62 members of staff at Galway Airport are facing an anxious Bank Holiday weekend as the Government decision which will seal their fate is set to be made on Tuesday morning.
Members of the Cabinet will meet in Dublin to decide whether or not to provide the €1.7 million in operation subvention funding which is required to keep the Carnmore facility open until the end of this year.
Uncertainty over the future of the airport is already leading to a crisis in confidence amongst potential travellers and the indications from the Government are that the State subsidy will be brought to an end, forcing the closure of a facility which has provided links to the UK since 1987.
The short runway has prevented Galway Airport from catering for jet aircraft which could link the city with European destinations and, with international facilities at Shannon and Knock, the long-term viability of the facility has been called into question.
“If we don’t get Government support, we are talking about airport closure,” said Galway Airport Manager Joe Walsh yesterday. “Our future depends on Tuesday’s decision. We have not been officially told that the decision will be made on Tuesday, but we’ve heard it through the media.
“It is very difficult for all of our staff. Some people have been working here for over 20 years and they have done an exceptional job throughout that time. But the view of the Government seems to be that we have too many airports.”
He said it was ironic that Galway Airport, which currently has two direct links with London, was being threatened with closure while the new Government expresses a commitment to boosting tourism numbers.
For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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