Newly formed Galway Airport lobby group aims to save runway
A new lobby group has formed to prevent the permanent destruction of the old Galway Airport runway – by proposing that it should be turned into what they call a modern, ‘airside-enabled’ innovation campus.
To that end, the recently formed Galway Aviation & Innovation Advocacy Group has organised a major information event at Claregalway Castle on Friday, April 24, to brief decision-makers ahead of any decision on the facility’s future.
Local councillors, Oireachtas members, and key stakeholders have been invited to review the proposal, which the group hopes will secure the airport as a vital strategic and economic asset for generations to come.
The group, chaired by ex-Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, also includes ex-Aer Arann MD Jarlath Conneely; former Galway Airport Manager Dónal Porter; Galway Business School CEO David Niland, and Claregalway Castle owner and ophthalmologist Eamonn O’Donoghue.
With the 115-acre site facing imminent sale by Galway City and County Councils, the group believes there is a real risk the property could be re-purposed entirely for non-aviation uses.
Although closed to commercial passenger flights since 2011, the facility remains functional and is regularly used by non-commercial aircraft.
The group cautions that losing the runway would put limits on Galway's future growth, comparing the potential loss to the historic mistake of tearing up Ireland's railways fifty years ago.
Instead of paving over the runway, the group is proposing a modern, ‘airside-enabled’ innovation campus. This would retain the runway while dedicating approximately 24 acres of the site to a leading-edge, multi-sectoral development.
The goal is not to compete with major passenger airports like Shannon or Knock, but rather to focus on "niche" aviation
The goal is not to compete with major passenger airports like Shannon or Knock, but rather to focus on "niche" aviation that would mutually benefit the entire West of Ireland.
They claim this could serve four key pillars, including emergency and medical services, as well as supporting business aviation, air freight, Medtech, life sciences and pharma sector.
It could also provide a home for international commercial pilot training – and create space for cultural outlets, language, education, and tourism.
“The future of the airport ultimately rests in the hands of the 57 local councillors from Galway City and County Councils, whose vote will decide if, and to whom, the airport is sold,” said a spokesperson for the group.