Galway Airport reopening petition surpasses 3,300 signatures

Petition for Galway Airport reopening surpasses 3,300 signatures
Airport closed to commercial flights since 2011
Galway Flying Club lease extended through December 2026
Multiple redevelopment bids received by councils
Campaigners cite economic growth and tourism benefits

An online petition calling for the reopening of Galway Airport at Carnmore has surpassed 3,300 signatures, with campaigners preparing to present the petition to Galway City Council and Galway County Council, citing potential economic growth, tourism benefits and improved transport links. The airport has been closed to commercial flights since 2011, with the 118-acre site jointly owned by the two local authorities who have been seeking expressions of interest and receiving multiple redevelopment bids for the property. The Galway Flying Club maintains temporary access to the aerodrome under a lease extension that runs through December 2026.

Supporters believe an active airfield improves regional transport, creates potential local economic growth and tourism benefits, and provides utility for non-commercial operations and emergency services. The petition was started by aviation enthusiast Larry Walsh, who aims to demonstrate to the councils that residents want the site restored for general aviation, emergency services and flight training. The campaign has gained widespread local support, surpassing its initial momentum to highlight public demand for restoring the facility.

Skeptics have cited redundancy due to nearby operational hubs like Shannon Airport and Ireland West Airport Knock, along with the high cost of full aviation infrastructure restoration and preferences for alternative uses such as permanent event spaces or commercial parks. The council process seeking expressions of interest for the site remains ongoing, with multiple redevelopment bids having been received for the property. The site has hosted music concerts and summer sessions during the period of closure.

Petition organiser Larry Walsh shared “Galway Airport reopening for non-commercial flights and emergency services has been my dream, with the petition demonstrating that residents share this vision for the site’s future as aviation infrastructure rather than alternative development.”

Galway Flying Club shared “The lease extension through December 2026 provides temporary security for the aerodrome’s continued use, though the long-term future remains uncertain while councils consider redevelopment proposals.”