Media Archive

Airport welcomes Government vote of confidence

On Thursday last, Minister Eamon O'Cuiv welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey of the allocation of extra funding to Galway Airport for 2010 under the core Airport Management Operation Expenditure Subvention (OPEX).This subvention is paid to regional airports in Ireland to cover day to day running costs.

Minister O'Cuiv said that "This funding announced by Minister Dempsey will ensure that the necessary finances needed by the airport to run a successful operation have been provided and these funds are important for the long term sustainability of the airport. This funding to the airport also makes an important contribution to supporting and creating jobs in Galway and the region".

Michael Corless, Chairman of the Board of Galway Airport said "on behalf of the Board of Galway Airport, the staff and management team, I would like to thank Minister Eamon O'Cuiv for his tireless support for the airport over the last number of years which has now resulted in this very positive news of the necessary operational funding for 2010 from the Department of Transport. This is in support of our strategy to maintain, grow and develop this strategically important facility for the people and businesses of Galway and the wider region".

Galway Airport continues to play its part in the local and regional economy as a critical piece of transport infrastructure supporting both the indigenous and international business sectors by facilitating both outbound and inbound access to and from international markets. Because of the airports' extensive access to international ‘hub' airports like Dublin and London Luton, the airport continues be a key selling point in maintaining and attracting investment into the West region. Galway Airport provides critical air access to international markets with 85% of its annual traffic either departing from or arriving to the island of Ireland and in this sense Galway Airport is a ‘regional international airport'.

Joe Walsh, Managing Director, Galway Airport, said that "we very much welcome this very positive vote of confidence by the Government in Galway Airport as a key piece of transport infrastructure, continuing Government support will be of  critical importance to the airport to facilitate its role as a provider of vital services to multinational and indigenous companies in support of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Udaras ns Gaeltachta in developing industry and also in support of Failte Ireland and the tourism industry. We now await the detail of the four year plan".

Carmel Brennan, President of the Galway Chamber of Commerce said "Galway Chamber as majority stakeholder in Galway Airport, is delighted with the news of this operational funding. On behalf of our members and the wider business community we in the Chamber will ensure that our airport continues to play a central role in our business connectivity worldwide".

 

ENDS

For further information contact:

Michael Moloney, Marketing Manager, Galway Airport @ 086-6004288