Aran limbo as Galway Councillors block airport for ‘chopper service

The continuation of the Aran Islands’ aviation service remains ‘up in the air’ this week following a special meeting of Galway County Council.

Elected members of the local authority passed a motion yesterday (Wednesday), which effectively rules out Galway Airport as a possible base for the service to the three islands for the next four years.

Part of the motion read: “This Council notes that any proposed use of the Carnmore site for an air service to the Aran Islands for the period proposed in the tender is not currently permitted.”

It was proposed by Fianna Fáil’s Seán Ó Tuairisg and seconded by Fine Gael’s Eileen Mannion and all agreed.

The non-availability of the airport, as indicated by Councillors, casts doubt over Executive Helicopters’ ability to fulfil the terms of its PSO (Public Service Obligations).

Executive Helicopters won the contract for the PSO to serve the islands from Carnmore, which is owned jointly by Galway City and County Councils.

It is understood the contract was for four years but the motion passed by Councillors suggests that element of the contract cannot be fulfilled.

The airport is currently leased to the Conneely Group of Ballinasloe, who operate Executive Helicopters but that expires on December 31.

The motion by the Council will now force the Government’s hand. If Executive Helicopters cannot fulfil the terms of the PSO, following the Council’s decision, then the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht may have to re-tender, or award the contract to the second best preferred bidder after Executive Helicopters, which is understood to be Aer Arann.

The City Council passed a similar motion in solidarity with the people of Aran last week.

Separately both Councils will met to discuss a report which recommends Carnmore Airport be used as a cultural hub.

Meanwhile, the contract for air service to the islands, currently operated by Aer Arann, is due to expire next week.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.