Galway Airport talks to take off as bidders prepare to unveil plans at newly announced meeting
A meeting between Galway’s local authorities and parties interested in taking on the Galway airport has been cleared for takeoff later this month.
Almost a year after Galway City and County Councils invited proposals for the site, shortlisted parties are now due to present their economic strategies outlining their interest in acquiring the airport.
Following this stage, and once a preferred applicant is selected, the formal planning process may proceed.
As joint landowners, both local authorities will attend the meeting alongside independent property agents, who will facilitate proceedings between the parties.
Speaking at a Galway County Council meeting last November, Director of Services Liam Hanrahan said the local authorities had yet to receive a “serious proposal” for the site since 2016.
However, ahead of the upcoming engagement, Galway City Councillor Shane Forde said any potential sale proceeds should not be split equally between the two councils, arguing the city should receive a significantly larger share.
At minimum he seeks 80pc of the money collected from the sale, if not the full amount, “otherwise we will not collect any business rates of any future development on that land. We have to make sure that we get the best bang for our taxpayers buck in this city,” Cllr Forde told the Irish Independent.
“Galway City Council now have to show leadership. We cannot get left behind.”
The local authorities jointly purchased the former commercial airport for €1.1 million in November 2013 but had been unable to find a permanent use for the 118-acre site in the ensuing years.