Management work on strategy to keep Galway Airport in business

Date Published: 20-Jul-2011

Management at Galway Airport are seeking submissions from interested business and tourism interests as they fight to keep the facility open after Government funding runs out at the end of this year.

The Board of Management has set up a strategic project group to develop long-term plans for the Carnmore site in the wake of the recent announcement that Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Operational Expenditure Support is to be withdrawn.

This group will include the city’s Chamber of Commerce, the airport board, and a team of external consultants who will welcome submissions from the public before delivering a draft report at the end of next month.

With Government funding due to dry up in December and 62 people employed directly at Carnmore, management are willing to consider any suggestions or changes in policy which could secure the airport’s future.

“We are looking at all options and avenues open to us at this stage,” said Joe Walsh, Managing Director of Galway Airport, on Wednesday. “The most important thing is to keep our airport open to benefit this city and this region.”

Mr Walsh admitted that the news coverage of the Government’s decision to withdraw funding at the end of June had hit customer confidence, but some of that had been restored in recent weeks with a Family Open Day attended by 10,000 people and the extension of a free car parking offer.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.