Airport expansion grounded by Government cuts

Date Published: 13-Jan-2009

MAJOR infrastructural developments in the pipeline for Galway Airport are in jeopardy following the Government’s decision to slash funding by up to 60%.

Managing Director of Galway Airport Joe Walsh told Galway City Council last night that the deteriorating economic environment meant the Carnmore facility could be starved of millions of euro earmarked for the airport’s capital development programme.

Mr. Walsh said ground lighting along the runway and a turnpad taxiway were built in 2008 but planned development for this year may not go ahead due to a lack of funding. He said both the planned expansion of the terminal building, including constructing a new arrivals hall, and extending the fire station at the airport will both be affected by the funding shortfall from the state.

Although the indications are that up to…