According to the Westmeath Independent, a feasibility study is underway to investigate new airport development on the Offaly/Westmeath border near the village of Horseleap.
From the Westmeath Independent (full story here, registration required):
Letters have been sent by Axis Architects, the firm conducting the study, to landowners in Newtown, Horseleap, where the proposed development would be located.
Patrick Little of Axis Architects,and President of Tullamore Chamber of Commerce said,
“We have a meeting arranged with landowners ... in Tubber. Before we talk to any public bodies we need to get residents’ opinions”. He went on to say, “Horseleap is an ideal central location to serve the three towns of Tullamore, Mullingar and Athlone. It is also close to the new motorway/rail network.”
He added an airport would increase population, business, bring in tourists and improve the quality of life of people in the midlands area.
“With the motorway opening up, we will only be 45 minutes from Lucan. It would be easier and a more pleasant experience for many people in Kildare, and parts of Dublin to get a plane from the midlands rather than Dublin,” Mr Little outlined.
From a General Aviation perspective, a facility in the midlands would be a very welcome development. Not only could it cater for pilots and student in the immediate hinterland but also fliers from West Dublin. 45 minutes from Lucan, equates favourably with the 40 minutes that it takes to get to Weston from Dublin city centre.
The Chamber of Commerce will have commercial interests in mind but private GA could be a big winner with the right sort of consultation. Wouldn't it be fantastic if we were to see a new airport that was inclusive; that didn't just look to make a fast buck but that nurtured aviation at all levels. For a long time Weston was the star in GA in Ireland. Many believe that it's lost its sense of fun, its sense of community in recent years. This country needs a facility where all walks of aviation are welcome - commercial and private; spam-cans and rag'n'tube; old hands and young guns.
Lets hope the Midlands succeeds in giving GA a much needed boost - and somewhere new for us students to visit on Nav-exercises.
Comments