At least two multinational companies have decided not to locate their European headquarters in Galway because of the lack of adequate airport facilities in the city, it was claimed yesterday.
A delegation from Galway Airport told Galway Corporation the city was losing out in terms of investment, tourism and business, because small jet aircraft were unable to fly directly to the city.
The chairman of the Airport Board, Mr John Coyle, said it was vital for the development of the city that the runway at Carnmore be lengthened and widened, in order to accommodate small jets. Mr Coyle said Galway Airport could accommodate only small propellor aircraft, while the expansion of the facility would ensure it could handle small jet aircraft.
The managing director of Thermo King (Europe) Ltd., Mr Christy Hayes, said he was aware of two companies which had decided to locate in London and mainland Europe because they found Galway too inaccessible.
There are currently two scheduled flights a day, which are a source of continuous complaint, said Mr Coyle. Many people were frustrated with the service and had to use Knock, Shannon, or Dublin as a result. The city was losing business because there was no adequate facility, he said.