The mayor of Galway, Alderman Catherine Connolly, has called for a review of Galway City Council's support for the Salthill Air Show, which takes place over Galway Bay this weekend.
The Royal Air Force's aerobatic Red Arrows, German Air Force and Navy Tornadoes, a US Hawk fighter jet and St Ivel's Utterly Butterly wing walkers are among the air teams booked for the 12th annual display, which has a strong military dimension.
The Dutch Air Force's PC-7, an Augusta Bell rescue helicopter, and an RAF Harrier jump jet are also due to participate, along with an RAF Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft and a display Tucano.
Alderman Connolly said she believes that a review should be tabled for discussion at city council level after this year's event.
"I have raised my concerns about support for it over the last five years, and now I feel it is time to have a detailed debate."
Alderman Connolly, who was recently elected Galway's first female Labour mayor, said she was concerned about the military aspect of the air show.
However, she said that she was also worried about continued local authority funding at a time when finances were so tight for other projects.
"We have been told for years that there is no money for more playgrounds, and yet there seems to be no question when it comes to this annual grant."
The display, which is one of the last free air shows in Europe, receives €15,000 in support from Galway City Council. The funding was the subject of a brief discussion last week when the council was asked to provide an additional €2,300.
Three Galway city councillors, four Labour Party councillors, the Green Party and Sinn Féin voted against increasing the allocation, while the Green Party councillor, Mr Niall Ó Brolcháin, also asked for an objection to the presence of US warplanes to be recorded in the minutes.
The mayor abstained on the vote, which was carried by nine to five, and said that allocations should be reviewed next year.
The show takes place from 3 p.m. tomorrow.