Media Archive

Chairman of Galway Airport Michael Corless, today announced Galway Airport's ‘Vision 2030' outlining the airport's strategy to cater for the expanding needs and potential future growth of Ireland's third largest city.

Vision 2030 comprises two principle statements as follows:

• Galway Airport will remain at the existing site
• The existing site has the potential to cater for the future growth in passenger numbers through the development of lands outside of aiport ownership

Vision 2030 results from the completion of a Technical Assessment Study undertaken by Arup Consulting Engineers and supported by both Galway County Council and Galway City Council.

Joe Walsh, Managing Director of Galway Airport stated:

‘Despite the current challenging environment in the aviation sector it is imperative that the Board of Galway Airport clearly defines a vision for the future development of Galway Airport. Having a clearly defined vision enables the Airport Company to complement the future growth potential of Ireland's third largest city and allows Galway Airport to continue to provide a strategically important air access and connectivity resource to the City, County and the wider Western seaboard region'.

Vision 2030 represents Galway Airport's submission of intent to the Policy Boards of both Galway County Council and Galway City Council. Galway Airport, through its submissions to both the County and the City planning process will engage in wide-ranging consultations for the delivery of Vision 2030 in the years ahead.

Galway Chamber, majority shareholder in Galway Airport welcomes Vision 2030 and will continue to support the improvement of Galway Airport's infrastructure as a critical part of the city and the region's transport development.

According to Peter Allen President of Galway Chamber:

 ‘Over the last 25 years Galway Airport has grown from an airport with 4 flights weekly to Dublin to a modern facility connecting Galway with 12 other city destinations in Ireland, UK and Europe, carrying upwards of 300,000 passengers annually. We are confident that the next 25 years, with the planned improvements in airport infrastructure will see passenger numbers double.

Ends

September 1^st 2008