Galway Bay fm newsroom – Fresh questions have been raised surrounding the conditions of the controversial contract for the Aran Islands air service.
A number of issues were raised at last night’s meeting of Galway City Council which cast doubt on the use of Galway Airport for any potential service.
The focal point of last night’s discussions was the aviation licence for Galway Airport in Carnmore, which was set to expire in December of this year.
Independent Councillor Declan McDonnell wanted to know how any tenderer for the Aran Islands contract could offer a service from Carnmore when a future licence was not guaranteed.
Fianna Fail Councillor Peter Keane declined to involve himself in the legalities of the situation but voiced concern that the situation could lead to massive job losses in Connemara.
Independent Councillor Catherine Connolly expressed amazement that a service could be offered from Carnmore for the fixed contract given the site is currently undergoing a feasability study.
Councillors heard that the findings of that study are due to be released at the end of this month.
Councillor Connolly proposed a motion that Gaeltacht Minister Joe McHugh be asked not to sign the controversial contract – and this was passed by a large majority.