Councillors unhappy after not getting invites to airport's birthday event

Councillors in the Claremorris and Swinford Municipal District have expressed disappointment after they were not invited to the 40th anniversary celebrations of Ireland West Airport Knock, despite what they described as their long-standing involvement in supporting the airport’s development.

The issue was raised by Cllr Patsy O’Brien during a discussion on the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at the airport.

Last month, hundreds attended a celebration in the airport terminal marking the milestone anniversary, which recognised the vision of Monsignor James Horan and the airport’s four decades in operation.

Cllr O’Brien said there was “a small bit of disquiet” among members regarding the absence of invitations to elected representatives from the area.

“I felt the elected members of the area should’ve been invited to it, because the local authority has been hugely beneficial to the airport at every stage,” he said.

He added that councillors “are important and paramount to the development of Knock Airport,” and said he felt they “deserved a bit of recognition” at the event.

While accepting it may have been an accidental oversight, he said he personally felt “a bit put out” by the situation.

This sentiment was echoed by Cllr Richard Finn, who said he had supported the Airport for the past 35 years.

“Somebody would want to open their eyes and see where the support comes from, came from, and will come from into the future,” he added.

Cllr Alma Gallagher concurred, and noted that a recent meeting of the Claremorris and Swinford Municipal District had been held at Knock Airport, where councillors received a presentation on the SDZ.

“All of us there pledged our support and commitment. While national politicians do what they have to do, it is councillors like ourselves that turn the wheels on a county and local level,” she said.

Adding that it was “disappointing,” she suggested it may have been an oversight not to invite some local representatives to attend.

Cllr Gallagher nevertheless congratulated the airport on its milestone anniversary, describing it as the “jewel in the crown” of the municipal district.

Director of Services Tom Gilligan told the meeting he had met with Knock Airport Managing Director Joe Gilmore and Head of Marketing Donal Healy the previous day to discuss ensuring continued sustainability and growth at the airport.

He said airport management are “incredibly appreciative” of support from councillors in the municipal district, Mayo County Council, and other local authorities in the North West region.

Newly elected Cathaoirleach Neil Cruise said Mayo had historically played a key role in supporting the airport, including acting as the lead authority among seven councils involved in a significant loan arrangement.

“In every budget since there has been provision for Knock,” he said. “I'm glad someone aired the point, there is no harm in saying these things.” Cllr Damien Ryan told the meeting he had spoken with the airport’s Chief Executive on the matter and said it was “not the intention” of the airport to exclude councillors.

He said a Fáilte Ireland programme is being developed that will include a seminar with the seven local authorities that have a share in the airport, and the public representatives and the Chief Executives will form part of it “in the very near future”.

He added this would provide an opportunity to address the issue, which he described as an “oversight.” Cllr Michael Burke called the situation an “awful error of judgement”.

“I understand there were people there with little or no connection to the airport. They couldn’t make space for 10 councillors,” he added.

“Talk about planning a wedding, I tell you something, they made some job of this one.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.