City Manager to consider proposal to retain Galway Airport licence

At a meeting of the City Council last evening, the Manager expressed regret that many councillors only heard about the news of the purchase on radio last Tuesday morning.

He admitted that after informing a small gathering of Councillors at the end of a meeting last week, he should have emailed other councillors first thing the next morning.

However at last night’s meeting he said that while it’s an executive decision, if councillors did not want the purchase to go ahead, he would not proceed.

He added that the 115 acre site which would cost the two Councils 1.1million euro is great value for money and has huge economic potential.

Some councillors expressed concern about the future for the air ambulance and coastguard helicopter service.

The City Manager said that other locations are being explored and that those services don’t have to be based at Carnmore.

He said the two hangars at the airport could possibly be used as salt banks in the future.

The money needed by the City Council to pay for the airport is to come from dividends owed to the Council from the Irish Public Bodies Insurance Company.

Councillor Peter Keane suggested that the airport licence be retained for emergency services and possible future use.

The City Manager agreed to look into the proposal.