Save Galway Airport! Retain our Runway.
The Issue
Note: This is a free petition!
My son Larry Jnr and I are co-founders of Galway Aviation & Innovation Advocacy Group. We formed our group last year to prevent the permanent destruction of the old Galway Airport runway by proposing our shared vision to the Galway City councillors, Galway County councillors and Council CEO's. Our vision is that the Aiport should be turned into what we call a modern 'airside-enabled' innovation campus, potentially creating hundreds of jobs and a base for emerging technologies that will define the next generation of flight. Also critical to have a base for Air Ambulance, SAR (Search & Rescue) and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services), positioned closer to where they are most needed to save lives.
Galway Airport, owned by the Galway City and County Council, stands at a pivotal point in its history. In 2007 it was one of Europes fastest growing airports. Although closed to commercial passenger flights since 2011, the facility remains functional and is regularly used by the Galway Flying Club and non-commercial aircraft. The Galway Flying Club, an institution with deep routes and a strong reputation have a current yearly lease at the airport. The club recently celebrated their 80th Birthday on the 5th September 2026 with a 'Breakfast Fly In' in Carnmore Airport. There were over 60 private aircraft landing on the day and all donations went to Galway Hospice, amazing! They are the oldest Flying Club in Ireland (1946-2026) and have over 150 members.
Galway Chamber of Commerce sold the airport for just over 1 million Euro in 2013 with a view to it remaining in public ownership. The two councils have a 50% share in the airport which is located a 118 acre site. Galway City and County Councils are now selling the Airport lands at a price tag of over ten million Euro. There are currently six private bidders (including two Aviation) in the running to purchase the 118 acre site for possible development. Both Galway City and Galway County Councillors will be asked to vote on any potential sale in the coming weeks.
There is a real risk the airport site could be re-purposed entirely for non-aviation uses. Losing the runway would put limits on Galway's future growth, comparing potential loss to the historic mistake of tearing up Ireland's railways fifty years ago.
Galway City & County Councils should seriously examine a sustainable, viable future for the airport - re-opening it could attract investment, create new job & tourism opportunities, and strengthen regional connectivity for local businesses and communities. Energize our local economy, improving transport links and bringing growth opportunities.
The people of Galway City and County, in particular my 18 year old son Larry Jnr Walsh are deeply passionate about seeing our 1,300 metre runway and two hangers at Galway Airport be retained for the future of all Galway City and County citizens.
Loosing this infrastructure would be incredibly difficult to replace and would leave Galway as the only major city in the West without direct air access. If lost it is estimated it would cost One Hundred Million Euro to replace such infrastructure.
Reopening our airport is not just a dream, it's a shared vision that resonates with many residents of our beautiful region.
Having a local airport is crucial for several reasons:
Having a local base for HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, providing rapid Aeromedical transport and advanced pre-hospital emergency care to critically ill or injured patients), Air Ambulance, SAR (Search & Rescue).
Economic Growth: Reopening the airport for corporate/private business travel will revitalize local enterprises, local multi national Pharmaceutical and IT companies based in Galway City & County, providing future business opportunities and employment. Other developments may work alongside in relation to Arts, Culture & Sporting Events and potentially a concert dome with a capacity to hold over 2,500 people. This is what the people of Galway want!
Tourism Potential: An operational non commercial airport can boost tourism, attracting more visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Galway and its surroundings.
Transport Connectivity: Corporate /Business Travel - Hugely beneficial for many residents, business owners and the many Multinational companies whom are based in Galway city and County.
Many Galwegians feel a sense of loss without an active airport, recalling the bustling activity, employment it once offered. It's a facility that was integral to the community and its absence is widely felt.
We can present this petition to the Galway City and County Council, demonstrating the collective desire of Galway's residents to see the airport reopen. Let’s stand together for a cause that can benefit our community, economy and future generations.
On behalf of myself Derbhail Walsh and my son Larry Jnr, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported this petition to date.
Please share far and wide on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, WhatsApp, email, txt & all additional Social Media Platforms.
Together we can get Carnmore Airport open again!
Join us in signing this petition to reopen Galway Airport in Carnmore and breathe new life into our region.
4,062
The Issue
Note: This is a free petition!
My son Larry Jnr and I are co-founders of Galway Aviation & Innovation Advocacy Group. We formed our group last year to prevent the permanent destruction of the old Galway Airport runway by proposing our shared vision to the Galway City councillors, Galway County councillors and Council CEO's. Our vision is that the Aiport should be turned into what we call a modern 'airside-enabled' innovation campus, potentially creating hundreds of jobs and a base for emerging technologies that will define the next generation of flight. Also critical to have a base for Air Ambulance, SAR (Search & Rescue) and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services), positioned closer to where they are most needed to save lives.
Galway Airport, owned by the Galway City and County Council, stands at a pivotal point in its history. In 2007 it was one of Europes fastest growing airports. Although closed to commercial passenger flights since 2011, the facility remains functional and is regularly used by the Galway Flying Club and non-commercial aircraft. The Galway Flying Club, an institution with deep routes and a strong reputation have a current yearly lease at the airport. The club recently celebrated their 80th Birthday on the 5th September 2026 with a 'Breakfast Fly In' in Carnmore Airport. There were over 60 private aircraft landing on the day and all donations went to Galway Hospice, amazing! They are the oldest Flying Club in Ireland (1946-2026) and have over 150 members.
Galway Chamber of Commerce sold the airport for just over 1 million Euro in 2013 with a view to it remaining in public ownership. The two councils have a 50% share in the airport which is located a 118 acre site. Galway City and County Councils are now selling the Airport lands at a price tag of over ten million Euro. There are currently six private bidders (including two Aviation) in the running to purchase the 118 acre site for possible development. Both Galway City and Galway County Councillors will be asked to vote on any potential sale in the coming weeks.
There is a real risk the airport site could be re-purposed entirely for non-aviation uses. Losing the runway would put limits on Galway's future growth, comparing potential loss to the historic mistake of tearing up Ireland's railways fifty years ago.
Galway City & County Councils should seriously examine a sustainable, viable future for the airport - re-opening it could attract investment, create new job & tourism opportunities, and strengthen regional connectivity for local businesses and communities. Energize our local economy, improving transport links and bringing growth opportunities.
The people of Galway City and County, in particular my 18 year old son Larry Jnr Walsh are deeply passionate about seeing our 1,300 metre runway and two hangers at Galway Airport be retained for the future of all Galway City and County citizens.
Loosing this infrastructure would be incredibly difficult to replace and would leave Galway as the only major city in the West without direct air access. If lost it is estimated it would cost One Hundred Million Euro to replace such infrastructure.
Reopening our airport is not just a dream, it's a shared vision that resonates with many residents of our beautiful region.
Having a local airport is crucial for several reasons:
Having a local base for HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, providing rapid Aeromedical transport and advanced pre-hospital emergency care to critically ill or injured patients), Air Ambulance, SAR (Search & Rescue).
Economic Growth: Reopening the airport for corporate/private business travel will revitalize local enterprises, local multi national Pharmaceutical and IT companies based in Galway City & County, providing future business opportunities and employment. Other developments may work alongside in relation to Arts, Culture & Sporting Events and potentially a concert dome with a capacity to hold over 2,500 people. This is what the people of Galway want!
Tourism Potential: An operational non commercial airport can boost tourism, attracting more visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Galway and its surroundings.
Transport Connectivity: Corporate /Business Travel - Hugely beneficial for many residents, business owners and the many Multinational companies whom are based in Galway city and County.
Many Galwegians feel a sense of loss without an active airport, recalling the bustling activity, employment it once offered. It's a facility that was integral to the community and its absence is widely felt.
We can present this petition to the Galway City and County Council, demonstrating the collective desire of Galway's residents to see the airport reopen. Let’s stand together for a cause that can benefit our community, economy and future generations.
On behalf of myself Derbhail Walsh and my son Larry Jnr, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported this petition to date.
Please share far and wide on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, WhatsApp, email, txt & all additional Social Media Platforms.
Together we can get Carnmore Airport open again!
Join us in signing this petition to reopen Galway Airport in Carnmore and breathe new life into our region.
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Petition created on 1 May 2025