Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
211. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the reinstatement of the Derry to Dublin airlink; to provide an update on the tendering process to establish a PSO air service between Derry and Dublin; the timeline for when this air service will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49430/26]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to establishing a new Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport. This will deliver the Programme for Government commitment to establish air connectivity between the two cities.
My Department is progressing the preparatory work necessary to establish this service in 2026 which is now well advanced. A Market Sounding Exercise was completed earlier this year. This stakeholder engagement sought views of potential passengers and stakeholders on what specifications would potentially best meet the requirements of the PSO air service, in terms of aircraft capacity, fare structures, frequency and timing of services.
The findings of this exercise is informing the development of a Request for Tenders (RFT) document. It is anticipated that this RFT will be published in the coming weeks with a view to a contract being awarded and services commencing on the route as soon as operationally feasible by the successful operator later this year.
This 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.
