Knock airport board has not discussed serving US military

The board of Knock airport yesterday distanced itself from a suggestion by one of its members, Ulick McEvaddy, that the airport could be opened to US military aircraft.

In a statement the board said Mr McEvaddy's remarks were "his personal opinions", and that no such proposal had been considered. However, it did not rule out the possibility of refuelling permission being granted.

"The airport board has made no decision to seek or commence services for US military aircraft. Any such decision would only be taken in the light of the views of all board members," the board said.

"The comments made to a number of media by the recently-appointed board member Mr Ulick McEvaddy in relation to the possibility of the airport pursuing US military traffic were his personal opinions.

"No such proposal has been brought to the airport's board, and the subject has not been considered to date."

The board said if the possibility of pursuing US military business arose, Mr McEvaddy's views would be considered together with those of other members.

It is understood the issue will be discussed at the next meeting of the board of directors.

Mr McEvaddy, a Mayo-born businessman who was appointed to the airport's board 11 days ago, could not be contacted yesterday.

However, he said at the weekend that he did not think Knock could ever compete with Shannon airport for US military business due to the limitations of its runway and its modest range of duty free shops.

However, Mr McEvaddy, whose refuelling company, Omega Air, has strong ties with the US military, added: "Never say never. I have huge connections with the US military and if it came to using them I would."

In response, Galway city mayor Niall Ó Brolcháin said yesterday that the people of the west were "incensed" at the suggestion that Knock would be used as a second stopover for the US military.

Local independent TD Dr Jerry Cowley said: "There's no possible way in the wide earthly world that I think people in Mayo would tolerate Knock airport being used for military flights."