BUSINESS LEADERS in the west are to step up their efforts to keep two regional airports open following the Government decision to terminate funding from the end of the year.
Politicians, business leaders and tourism groups have said the closure of the Galway and Sligo airports would have a devastating impact on the region.
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said the Government was concentrating its spending on four airports – Donegal, Knock, Kerry and Waterford – and there was insufficient funding to provide for Galway and Sligo airports beyond this year.
Mr Varadkar said yesterday that the cut to his department’s budget for 2012 meant he had to prioritise. “My priority is maintaining the roads and basic transport services to those who need them the most,” he said.
When reviewing regional airports currently receiving State support, Galway and Sligo airports were least deserving of further funding, he said.
Speaking on RTÉ radio he said: “In relation to Galway, it’s not a jet-capable airport, unlike Knock and Shannon which are both just over an hour away, and of course people who want to make business connections to places such as Heathrow, New York and Paris can do so through Shannon which does not require any taxpayer support.”
Mr Varadkar’s decision to discontinue the operational subvention from the end of this year has given the two airports a brief stay of execution, but it is feared that investors will not be found in time.
Galway Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Coyle said the possible closure of the city’s airport would have far-reaching consequences. “If the Cabinet’s decision results in the closure of the airport the loss will not just be felt today, but well into the future.
“Airports are a complex business and to suggest that Galway airport can secure major investor interest in such a short period of time is an enormous challenge,” said Mr Coyle.
Sligo Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rebecca Stevens said that while the Government’s commitment to the end of the year was welcome, there were serious concerns beyond that. “Whilst we are disappointed that it will not be possible to provide any further current or capital funding to Sligo airport beyond this year, we are keen to continue working with the airport to develop a strategy which will lead to the long-term sustainability of the airport and its employees,” she said.
Derek Nolan, Labour Party TD for Galway West, said: “In several meetings with the Minister, I made clear the importance of the airport to jobs and the economy in Galway. The airport provides employment and air access for businesses and tourists which is important to Galway as a regional city.”
Brian Walsh, the Fine Gael TD for Galway West, said Galway airport now has a chance to prove it is a viable business.