Galway Independent Column 1st September 2010

A number of years ago a former President of Galway Chamber when asked to describe the spirit and work of the Chamber in one word said ‘access’. It’s still a good word to describe in an overall way what we do.

Access means a lot of things, it includes access to representation on both local and national issues from commercial rates to Governments Budgets. It means access to Networking where every Chamber event has a networking element as well as our monthly Business After Hours networking opportunities.

Access to business information and knowledge is available through our newsletter, ezines, website and our programme of events including seminars, business lunches and conferences. Access to innovation includes the incubation and other facilities that our subsidiary the Galway Technology Centre offers.

And finally access to and from Galway road, rail and of course air, offered by our subsidiary company Galway Airport. Access is the ability to "easily reach" and there’s no easier way to reach Galway than by flying into Galway Airport. It’s still the quickest, most efficient way to get to Dublin, London Luton, Lorient, Edinburgh, Manchester and Waterford and onto a myriad of destinations from these hubs. The codeshare agreements in place mean that luggage can be checked through from Galway Airport to facilitate travel ease.

This facility has always been important to Galway and in particular to the business community in Galway. This is why Galway Chamber has been the majority shareholder in Galway Airport from its inception as a commercial airport. It exists to provide access to and from Galway. It’s not the only means of access. Galway Chamber has lobbied for and welcomed the N6 and continues to lobby for the N6 Galway City Outer Bypass as well as West on Track. Business needs choice.

That’s why the news that an Interim Examiner has been appointed to Aer Arann, main carrier at Galway Airport is of concern to the business community in Galway. However, having had discussions with the Board and the Management of Galway Airport it is important to stress that during the period of examinership flight services will continue to operate as normal to and from Galway Airport. This has been confirmed by Aer Arann. Galway Airport will continue to serve the business and leisure traveller the same as always during this time. Access to air routes in and out of Galway needs to be supported by Government and by us, the travelling public.

As a Gateway city, Galway must provide access which must in itself be timely, always available, of high quality and cost effective. If this doesn’t happen then Galway's continued success and growth could be seriously jeopardised.

Congratulations and Good Wishes
Just a note of congratulations and good wishes to someone who has over the years been involved in the transition of Galway from a town to a city and everything that entails. Bernard O’Hara retires today as Registrar of GMIT having worked there since the college opened as the RTC Galway in 1972.

Bernard began his academic career as a lecturer in Business Studies, was promoted to Head of Department, followed by Head of School of Business and Humanities for nineteen years, latterly served as Registrar of the college for the last eleven years.

Among his many achievements in a working life full of achievement Bernard was a Board Member of Galway Chamber for over ten years and was President during the bicentennial year of 1991/92 when he said at his inauguration that he believed that the Chamber’s mission was to act as a catalyst for the economic and commercial development of Galway and its hinterland. We wish him a happy and healthy retirement.