New film studios are expected to be constructed at the Galway Airport site, after the Galway City Council backed a plan to lease a portion of the land to Danú Media - a move that would represent a major boost to the creative arts industry in the west.
Monday's Galway City Council meeting featured an interesting debate with councillors broadly welcoming the development. However, a number of councillors expressed concerns about the fact the airport mightn't be redeveloped and asked what the long term plan is.
The Galway county and city councils jointly own the site, but Cllr Alan Cheevers [pictured below] questioned what was going to happen with the 115 acres of land. "We have seen no ambition for the site," he said. "We were told at the time this was value for money, but we have seen no ambition. We need a plan. What it is the real plan going forward.
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Cllr Mike Cubbard shared similar sentiments. "It is an exciting proposal," Cllr Cubbard stated. "I'd echo concerns, what is the strategic plan for this site? Doing this piecemeal isn't the way forward." He also queried what would happen if the City Council accepted the proposal and the County Council did not.
Council chief executive Brendan McGrath responding saying 'it requires both local authorities to have a positive response'.
Cllr Noel Larkin also raised some issues. "While I agree with the sentiment of bringing this industry to Galway, I believe the airport is the wrong place for it." He suggested that 'a lot of large multinational companies' operating in Galway would use an airport facility if it was available.
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Councillors were told a 20 year lease would be in operation and that they just needed to agree in principle so Danú Media could begin a planning application.
Director of services for Galway City Council Brian Barrett said that negotiations with Danú Media have been ongoing for a number of years.
Cllr Mike Crowe asked that full details for the plans of the 4.4 acres of the site are presented to councillors in the future.
'Talent drain'
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Cllr Niall Mc Nelis has welcomed the decision made on Monday. "Galway has been left behind without such a facility by Limerick, Cork, Dublin and Belfast," he says.
"A talent drain had begun last few years and now this decision will stop that talent going to other studios. The industry is worth €692million to national economy, more than 17,000 jobs are involved in industry," he said.
"This is a great news story for city as the Film Fleadh season begins, it will be used for cultural use, film studios, exhibition space, and as an arts and culture venue. I hope that Galway County Council will now also support this lease as a co-owner of the site."
