Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
354. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene to ensure there is a midday flight from Donegal to Dublin, which many patients in receipt of cancer care and other forms of inpatient and outpatient require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15191/26]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that this Government is firmly committed to maintaining connectivity to the northwest by continuing to provide Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services on this route.
To ensure continuity of services when the current contract ends on 25 February, my Department conducted a public procurement process, in line with the requirements of EU Regulation 1008/2008. This regulation allows Governments to provide PSO air services to airports serving peripheral or less-developed regions.
Only one tender submission was received during this process. In the absence of any competition to operate this service, and having taken legal advice, the priority had been to execute a contract to safeguard services beyond 25 February. Any alternative would have imposed a consequent risk to the continuation of this important air service.
I completely understand the disappointment that has been articulated by many in relation to the revised flight schedule under the new contract. I can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to ensuring that an effective service is provided at times that work for all those availing of it. I am due to meet with representatives from the Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Group today (24th February) to engage further in terms of how we can best move forward.
In this regard, I have asked my Department to explore what options may be available under the new contract to meet the needs of all users, while ensuring the continuity of this vital service.
