Galway Bay fm newsroom – Tomorrow’s special meeting of the county council to discuss the Aran Islands air service will have a new focus following today’s release of the feasability study on Galway Airport in Carnmore
The feasability study is recommending that the controversial site be turned into a base for the film industry.
The long awaited report on the site, which is currently jointly owned by Galway City and County Council, was circulated to councillors this afternoon.
The 40 page document suggests that the facility could be best used as a creative campus and a mixed use business park.
It notes that several key factors formed the basis of recommendations, including policy considerations, strategic location, international best practice and the consultation process.
It recommends that the 46.5 hectare site be developed as a campus for the film industry and that a complementary mixed use industry park also be established for associated businesses.
The findings of the study come as the site finds itself embroiled in an ongoing controversy over the air service for the Aran Islands,
Executive Helicopters, who are understood to be the preferred tenderer for the air service to the islands, had stipulated they would use Carnmore airport to operate the service.
The report makes reference to the superior capabilities of other airports including Knock, a greatly improved national transport infastructure, and a sharp decline of 50 thousand passengers from Galway Airport between 2005 and 2009.
County Cathaoirleach Peter Roche arranged this special council meeting earlier in the month as the controversy over Aer Arann losing the service grew and residents opposition to a helicopter service grew stronger
This evening County Cllr Donagh Killilea told FYI Galway the feasability study throws up fresh questions on the government’s decision on this vital service
He says there will be much to discuss at the meeting at 2 tomorrow afternoon.
Meanwhile, Galway city council has issued a statement to Galway Bay FM news saying the recommendations will play a part in deciding the future of this site.
The authority also says it will ensure that potential projects and uses of the site will have a sustainable economic viability into the future.
