Galway Airport sale stalls after all six bids for €10m site are rejected
The future of Galway Airport remains uncertain after all six proposals submitted for the landmark site were deemed unsuitable by a review panel appointed by Galway City and County Councils.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) on Galway Airport were advertised in April 2025 by Galway City and County Council. The local authorities called for development proposals from private entities who would purchase the site for approximately €10m.
However, of the six proposals considered, the interview panel concluded that none of the applications met the criteria for a site of this scale and strategic significance. They ultimately recommended closing the EOI process without proceeding with any of the proposals.
The panel was made up of three people nominated by the Chief Executives of both councils for their expertise in local governance and commercial property. They are Joe MacGrath, former Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council, Joe Greaney of KMS and PJ Power of PPG.
In a joint statement, Galway City Council and Galway County Council said the outcome of the EOI process should not be interpreted as a lack of market interest in the site. Rather, the panel concluded that none of the submissions fully met “the standards and ambitions required for a development opportunity of this scale and significance”.
The panel also recommended that the two councils come together in the establishment of “an appropriate delivery entity” to lead and coordinate the future development of the site.
The objective is to attract long-term investment and support employment and economic development opportunities while ensuring that the full strategic potential of this nationally significant site is realised for the benefit of the Galway Metropolitan Area and the wider west of Ireland, the councils said.
In July, Galway County Councillors representing Athenry-Oranmore were promised a report with more information regarding the six bidders, however, the details and identities of the applicants will remain confidential at this time due to “commercial sensitivity.”
The Galway Airport was jointly purchased by Galway City and County Council in November 2013 for €1.1 million after the airport’s last commercial flight took off in 2011.
The site, which includes two existing hangar buildings and an extensive car park, is identified in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 as a key opportunity site.
At this time, Galway Airport Flying Club leases the airport for €11,000 a month, with the lease set to expire on December 24, 2026.