- Efforts to redevelop the former Galway Airport site have stalled after an Expressions of Interest panel recommended concluding the process
- Six bids were considered but none met the required criteria
- The panel recommended establishing a delivery entity to coordinate development
- Galway City and County Councils bought the 47 hectare site in 2013
- Possible uses include housing, health facilities, sports grounds and industrial projects
Efforts to redevelop the former Galway Airport site have stalled after an Expressions of Interest panel recommended concluding the current process without accepting any of the submissions. A total of six bids were considered by the panel, but none met the specific criteria required to move forward or demonstrated the capacity to realize the full economic potential of the 47 hectare Carnmore site. The evaluation panel advised Galway City Council and Galway County Council to reject all current proposals. Instead, they recommend setting up a dedicated delivery entity to coordinate and oversee the future use of the airport lands.
The panel emphasised that the rejection of the bids should not be seen as a lack of market interest, but rather a failure of the current proposals to align with the scale and ambition required for the regional asset. While it is understood that some of the bids included an aviation component following significant lobbying from groups like the Galway Aviation and Innovation Advocacy Group to retain the runway, the identities and specific details of the six applicants are not being released. The local authorities originally purchased the strategic site in 2013. Located just off the M6 motorway, suggested long-term uses for the land continue to include housing, industrial development, health infrastructure, sports grounds and cultural facilities.
Galway City and County Councils bought the 47 hectare site in 2013. An assessment panel recommended ending the process and establishing a delivery entity to coordinate development instead. Possible uses under discussion include housing, health facilities, sports grounds and industrial projects.
