The mayor of Galway has said a proposal to construct a stadium in the city is "a complete non-runner".
It follows calls for Galway City and County Councils to develop a new 48,000 seat facility, so the region could be included in a joint Irish/UK bid to stage the 2030 World Cup.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan Cheevers said both local authorities in Galway should work towards the construction of a stadium on the edge of the city.
He contends that the former Galway Airport site, which is jointly owned by the councils, would be the ideal location for what he says would be an "audacious venture".
But Mayor Mike Cubbard described the suggestion as unrealistic. He said the focus should instead be on providing improved facilities for underage sporting teams, many of which are seeking better infrastructure.
Galway Airport was closed to flights in 2013 and subsequently purchased by the local authorities.
A 2015 feasibility study recommended a number of options for the airport, including the establishment of a creative campus for the film and TV sector there.
Since then, several other proposals have been made regarding the 114-acre side in Carnmore, but none have been progressed.
The hangar buildings at the facility have been used as drive-through Covid-19 test centres in recent months.
