Challenge now for the region and management, is to make it work.
Senator Fidelma Healy Eames has been informed, following a series of high level representations made by her, that funding for Galway Airport has been secured. The funding for 2011 means that for the forseeable future, the viability of the airport has been safe-guarded.
“Galway businesses, the airport management and airport employees made a strong case for the retention of this airport. I continuously emphasised to Minister Varadkar the importance of the airport for tourism, regional development and the broader local economy. I am delighted to announce that it is safe, for now. As a region , however, we have to now make the case for its long-term future”
Transport Minister, Leo Varadkar confirmed that the airport would continue to receive Government support for the forthcoming year. This comes after Minister Varadkar held meetings with the Airport on May 14th last, in addition to continued and coordinated pressure from Galway Oireachtas members.
“I have been receiving on a daily basis, through my online petition, grassroots support for Galway Airport, both locally and from those living in London and Scotland, who have had to immigrate for work and greatly rely on the airport to come home. Today, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. The Minister has listened and it is now in the gift of business people, local organisations and government bodies such as the IDA and Tourism Ireland to highlight the benefits of the airport,” Senator Eames added.
