- The meeting with bidders for Galway Airport has been scheduled for later this month.
- Shortlisted parties will present their economic strategies.
- The councils purchased the site for €1.1m in 2013.
- Councillor Shane Forde has called for at least 80pc of proceeds to go to the city.
- The session will precede selection of a preferred applicant.
- Shane Forde shared “We have to make sure that we get the best bang for our taxpayers buck in this city.”
Galway City Council and Galway County Council have scheduled a meeting with shortlisted bidders for the former Galway Airport site later this month. Parties interested in acquiring the 118 acre location will present their economic strategies and development proposals at the session. Independent property agents will facilitate the proceedings between the local authorities and potential buyers.
The councils jointly purchased the site for €1.1m in November 2013 and have sought a permanent use since that time. Galway City Councillor Shane Forde has argued that the city should receive at least 80pc of any sale proceeds rather than an equal split. He has stated that the city needs to secure the best outcome for local taxpayers and business rates from future development.
Following the presentations a preferred applicant may be selected before the formal planning process begins. No serious proposals had been received since 2016 according to earlier statements from council officials. The meeting represents the next stage after the invitation of expressions of interest almost one year ago.
