The future of Galway Airport may be in jeopardy if Government funding for the Carnmore facility is cut, its managing director warned this week.
As its financial supports for the next few years are being reviewed Joe Walsh says any reduction would have major consequences for the regional airport.
All airports, such as Galway, receive two types of financial aid from the Government - the Public Service Obligation (PSO ) element and the Operational Subvention [which makes up the shortfall in terms of the airport’s operational costs] both of which are being reviewed by the Government.
Mr Walsh says the Operational Subvention programme is a fundamental part of its business. Aer Arann operates four services a day on the Galway/Dublin route, three of these are public service obligation services - providing connections to the regions.
He stated there is both an economic [providing links to industry] and connectivity case for retaining these services.
“There is a perception that because of the road and rail infrastructure between Galway and Dublin that that now justifies the discontinuation of our service between Galway and Dublin.
“Our belief is that it is even more critical than in the original days. We interviewed in excess of 20,000 people since last June, on average 40 per cent of Galway/Dublin passengers are connecting through Dublin to Europe, the States, the Far East, Africa, etc. People are also connecting in from Dublin. Essentially, 40 per cent of outbound and inbound traffic is connecting, using our airport to connect through Dublin airport.”
Businesses and industry need efficient, convenient air access for out and inbound traffic, he stressed.
“It brings in key influences and personnel (eg, cardiology ). These people need to get into Galway in a quick and efficient manner.
If we lose the PSO element we will lose the frequency of services between Galway and Dublin and this will impact directly on business and industry. PSOs are about the regions, about driving the message that Galway is the gateway to the west.
If we lose that support the future of the airport is in the balance, there is no question about that.
“If we consider the great news of Electronic Arts [leading American entertainment software company which is to locate its European customer service centre here] we must ensure that decisions are taken for continuing development. We don’t want a decision by the Government that impacts on our air access with consequent effects on the location of industries. It is vital there is air access to encourage businesses to come here.”
Local Fine Gael TD Paul Connaughton commented after meeting airport management that any reduction in current funding could have “horrendous consequences” which would directly hit industrial, commercial and tourist interests in the city and the west.
“There is a direct linkage between job creation, the maintenance of existing jobs and the survival of the airport. Every worker who is employed, particularly in the industrial section in Galway, could be negatively affected if the airport is not allowed to continue at its present level of activity.
“Connectivity and linkage with other airports, not alone in Ireland but across the world, is of huge benefit to Galway directly. Galway Airport would be a significant factor in helping the IDA to attract industrialists, not alone into Galway city, but to the county towns as well. Hopefully as the economy steers itself out of recession the west of Ireland must be seen to be an attractive destination for overseas investment.”
He says airport management are running a “lean, mean, efficient” organisation.
“But any more cutbacks in staffing or in services would place the whole airport in a very difficult position. I am urging the Government to take a medium to long term view and ensure that the necessary financial help is available to Galway Airport now.”
