The Donegal to Dublin air service is return to its previous frequency.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has approved the full reinstatement of the afternoon flight rotation, and the overnighting of the aircraft at Donegal Airport, effective from May 1st.
Under the restored schedule, the aircraft will once again be based overnight at Carrickfinn, facilitating an early morning departure from Donegal at 7:55am returning at 12.55pm. The afternoon flight will depart Donegal at 2.30pm returning from Dubin at 6.55pm.
Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher spoke with Minister O’Brien this morning, he says this is the news people in West Donegal and further afield have been waiting for………
Release in full –
Pat the Cope Confirms Full Restoration of Donegal–Dublin midday rotation and overnighting of aircraft at Carrickfinn Airport from May 1st
Pat the Cope Gallagher TD has today welcomed confirmation that the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has approved the full reinstatement of the afternoon flight rotation and the overnighting of the aircraft at Carrickfinn Airport, with both services to be restored within four weeks, effective from May 1st.
Despite earlier uncertainty, this confirmation follows sustained engagement at Government level. Pat the Cope said he had worked intensively on the matter since first becoming aware of the proposed timetable changes on January 13th and had remained in continuous contact with Minister O’Brien to secure a reversal of the decision. He also confirmed that he has been working closely with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Public Expenditure, and particularly the Minister for Transport to achieve this outcome.
“The Minister remained in regular contact with me throughout this process, and I welcome his commitment to restore the timetable that has served the people of Donegal well for decades.”
Under the restored schedule, the aircraft will once again be based overnight at Carrickfinn, facilitating an early morning departure from Donegal at 7:55am returning at 12.55pm. The afternoon flight will depart Donegal at 2.30pm returning from Dubin at 6.55pm.
Passengers who have booked flights on the early morning departure from Dublin (6:30am) or the late evening departure from Carrickfinn (8:30pm) after May 1st will be accommodated by Emerald Airlines/Aer Lingus.
Deputy Gallagher also expressed his appreciation to all those who raised and championed the issue at local and national level, acknowledging the management of Donegal Airport, Majella O’Donnell for bringing national attention to the matter on the Late Late Show, and the Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Group for their tireless and compassionate campaign, which ensured the voices of vulnerable patients were heard and helped secure over 20,000 signatures in support of this vital service. Thanks also to Údarás na Gaeltachta and IBEC for their submissions and support.
Pat the Cope also paid tribute to his constituency colleagues who worked as one to help secure the restoration of this service for the people of Donegal who rely so heavily on this vital connection.
He added that restoring the familiar and proven timetable is critical for those who rely on same-day access to Dublin for medical appointments, specialist care, work commitments, education, and onward connectivity, and that this decision represents a vital step in safeguarding regional accessibility and supporting communities across Donegal.
Deputy Gallagher also expressed his sincere appreciation to Minister Darragh O’Brien for his hands-on approach and commitment to resolving this issue and restoring a service that is so vital to the people of Donegal.
He concluded by stating that this is a very positive development for connectivity and represents an important step forward for the community, local businesses, and all those who rely on this essential service — especially vulnerable patients who need to travel to Dublin to receive vital medical treatment.
Seo dea-scéala agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl d’achan nduine a raibh baint acu leis an fheachtas seo le eitiltí i lár an lae agus an eitleán a bheith lonnaithe ar an Charraig Fhinn thar oíche a fháil ar ais.
