Local Authorities in Galway are being urged to safeguard the future of an aviation facility in the county, in order to drive investment and secure air access to the region.
Galway Airport has not been used for commercial flights since 2011 but discussions on its future use are ongoing. Comprising a total of 118 acres, it was jointly purchased by Galway City and County councils in 2013.
The recently formed Galway Aviation & Innovation Advocacy Group says it is fearful that a loss of air access to the site would have a negative effect on future economic growth.
It is calling on elected representatives to support the development of an "airside enabled" innovation campus.
Since it ceased to operate commercially, the airport has been used to accommodate private flights and is also a base for the Galway Flying Club.
The facility was used as a Covid-19 test centre, during the pandemic, and has served as a filming location for a number of productions in recent years.
It is described as a "key opportunity site" in the Regional Spacial and Economic Strategy, given its size, its location and proximity to the motorway infrastructure.
Last year, the local authorities invited expressions of interest in relation to the future development of the airport, saying it had the capacity to accommodate a multiplicity of uses, "subject to zoning and planning".
It sought usage proposals for the land in question, which includes two hangar buildings, a large car park and a 1,300 metre runway.
That has resulted in a total of six bids for the site being considered, some of which have an aviation component included.
The advocacy group argues that the maintenance of this aspect must be central to any future decision in relation to the site.
It wants City and County councillors, who will vote on any possible sale, to support the retention of the runway.
The campaigners are not bidding to buy the airport themselves and say they have no links with any other interested parties.
But they suggest the facility has the potential to have a "niche" appeal for business aviation, air freight and the transfer of materials for medical technology and life sciences companies operating in the region, as well as serving as a pilot training centre.
They argue that any cessation of its air connectivity would be detrimental in the long-term.
The councils say engagement with interested parties is ongoing, and due to commercial sensitivities, it would be "inappropriate to comment further on the detail of those discussions".
In a joint statement, the authorities said the future of the site would be guided by the "objective of securing the optimum long-term strategic, economic and community benefit for the Galway Metropolitan Area and wider region".
It is understood meetings with prospective bidders will take place in the coming week.
