Galway Airport sale proceeds to be shared equally between councils
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Galway city and county councils will split the proceeds from the eventual sale of the former Galway Airport site equally, after county councillors moved to quash speculation over how the money would be divided.
Responding to suggestions that Galway City Council should receive a larger share because commercial rates from any future development would accrue to Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins (FG) insisted the arrangement was a "50/50 partnership" and "not a divorce".
"The talk of who should get what needs to be quelled," he said.
"It is a 50/50 partnership; it is not a divorce that we are going through with Galway City Council.
"The talk of who should get what out of the sale of this airport needs to stop.
"We need to look at the economic value of the site and how we can benefit the city and the county. There will be gains and the money will be a huge benefit to both."
Independent Cllr Martin McNamara said he also wanted "some of that commentary to stop", while officials confirmed the agreement was a 50/50 split "with no special conditions attached to it".
The discussion arose during a briefing on the next stage of the sale process for the former airport site in Carnmore.
Officials confirmed that city and county councillors will have the opportunity to review all six expressions of interest before any decision is taken on how the sale proceeds.
Concerns had been raised over whether elected members would be presented with all six proposals or simply receive a report on a preferred bidder.
"The report will go through the six EOIs; it will not just be a recommendation of one," officials confirmed.
"We will have to look at the format of it as there is commercially sensitive information."
Officials said they are finalising the evaluation of the six expressions of interest following interviews and presentations by each applicant.
It is being compiled into a report for the Chief Executives of Galway City and Galway County Councils.
It is a 50/50 partnership; it is not a divorce that we are going through with Galway City Council.
Independent Cllr Martin McNamara also pointed out that the airport lands are located within the Athenry Municipal District and sought clarification on the role elected members will play in the sale process.
Officials confirmed members of the Athenry MD will receive a briefing before the matter comes before the full Galway County Council.
"In practical terms, over the years, for lands of significance, the Municipal District will get a briefing beforehand," officials said.
"Those members will take the lead in the Council Chamber. It is a full council decision of both local authorities.
"It is a well-worn process and we won't rush the decision. There will be plenty of workshops and discussion."
Any decision on the future of the Carnmore site will require the approval of both Galway City Council and Galway County Council.
No decision has yet been made on the future use of the site, which is designated as one of economic importance under the National Planning Framework.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme