Airport re-opening a non-flyer

The re-opening of Galway Airport with State-subsidised flights is a non-flyer, Government sources have insisted.

It was reported yesterday that European rule changes on competition would clear the runaway for the Carnmore facility to take-off again with flights to Dublin and London.

But claims that subsidised commercial flights would return to Galway have been rubbished by sources close to Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.

“This is nonsense, sure Galway Airport doesn’t exist as an airport anymore. It is gone,” he said.

“Galway City and County Councils are buying the airport but they have no appetite to re-open it as an airport. The fight for Galway Airport is over, it’s gone and there’s no going back now.”

A national newspaper reported yesterday that Galway Airport could be reopened now that new EU changes make it possible to grant State aid to struggling regional airports.

The changes, introduced by EU Competition Commissioner, Joaquin Almunia, mean that State aid for airport infrastructure is allowed if there is a genuine transport need and to “ensure accessibility to the regions”.

Mr Almunia confirmed that State grant aid would now be permitted and that it would be greater for smaller airports than for larger ones.

The Government source, however, said the rules may apply to Shannon, Knock and possibly Kerry airports but not to Galway.

“It’s too late for Galway Airport,” he said. “Galway Airport is no longer an airport as such. This change to competition rules makes no difference to Galway Airport.”

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.