Latest news with #GalwayAirport
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
David W Higgins: Ireland is already an expensive place to visit – a tourist tax could tip us into a ‘no-go zone' for many
There are many stories of success in Irish tourism, but also those of failure. Galway Airport is one that comes to mind. At its peak the airport carried 300,000 passengers annually to and from 16 destinations.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
David W Higgins: Ireland is already an expensive to visit – a tourist tax could tip us into a ‘no-go zone' for many and damage local businesses
There are many stories of success in Irish tourism, but also those of failure. Galway Airport is one that comes to mind. At its peak the airport carried 300,000 passengers annually to and from 16 destinations.
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Former Galway Airport set for major redevelopment as local authorities confirm plans to sell key site
The Carnmore site has huge potential Fixed plans for Galway Airport finally look set to get off the ground, with Galway City & County Councils inviting bidders to submit proposals for the site's redevelopment. The local authorities jointly purchased the former commercial airport in for €1.1 million in November 2013 but have been unable to find a permanent use for the 118-acre site in the ensuing years. Now, the councils have jointly announced that they are inviting proposals for the sale and future economic development of the Carnmore site over the next month. The land on offer includes a terminal building, two hangars, extensive carpark and frontage onto three roads, with the site earmarked as an area with huge potential for future developments. The airport has previously been highlighted as 'vital' for the economic growth of the Galway Metropolitan Area in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032, with its prime location near Galway city with access to the motorway making it a 'significant enabler' of regional development. In the past number of years, the airport has been used as a Covid-19 testing centre, while also hosting a series of high-profile concerts called Galway Summer Sessions in 2024. Fixed plans, such as a proposal to develop the site into a film production studio in 2021, have failed to get off the ground. Chief Executive of Galway County Council Liam Conneally said: 'As set out in the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028, our vision for the former airport lands is to provide for economic development at a scale which will deliver regional impact. 'We invite innovative proposals that will unlock this prime location's potential, driving economic growth and sustainable development for Galway.' Chief Executive of Galway City Council Leonard Cleary said: 'Located just off the N6/M6 Dublin to Galway Road, this site offers easy access to the M17 and M18 motorways and is only 8 kilometres from Galway City Centre, making it an ideal spot for innovative projects. 'The development land is also located close to the existing large employment areas such as the Parkmore Industrial Estate and the other existing IDA lands at Oranmore and Athenry.' The closing date for potential bidders to make expressions of interest is May 23 at 5pm. Related topics Joseph Murray
