Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:184. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the reinstatement of the Derry to Dublin airlink, with clear timeframes. [1397/26]
View answerThursday, 15 January 2026
Questions (184)
Written answers
I wish to thank the Deputy for his continued interest in this matter. The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and City of Derry airports.
My Department is progressing the preparatory work necessary to establish a Dublin-Derry Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service in 2026 and my officials are continuing to engage with the Department for the Economy (NI), the Department for Transport (UK), City of Derry Airport and the EU Commission.
I am happy to have the opportunity to provide the Deputy with an update on the establishment of this service, which will enhance connectivity for the North West of the island.
On 22 December my Department published an online market sounding survey. This survey seeks views from potential passengers and stakeholders on the specifications required to meet expected demand for the service in terms of aircraft capacity, fare structures, frequency and timing of services. While the survey will be open until 31 January, engagement to date has been very positive, confirming the interest in and recognised benefits of the PSO air service for stakeholders in Derry and the wider North West region.
It is anticipated that a tender for the PSO air service will be published by my Department this Spring with a view to services commencing by October 2026, or earlier if operationally feasible.
The Deputy will appreciate that following a public procurement process and the award of a contract to the successful bidder, sufficient time needs to be provided in advance of services commencing to allow the successful carrier to set up operations and sell fares. I can assure the Deputy that this current timeline is the optimal timeline to ensure that the detailed work required to establish a service on this route can be completed so that a new service can be launched successfully.
Like the Deputy, I too look forward to the delivery of this new service, which will complement the Exchequer funded Donegal-Dublin PSO air service which serves the West Donegal region. These services will jointly improve transport connectivity for the North West on the island and internationally and support opportunities for economic growth and in-bound tourism for the region.