The Transport Minister has given a statement on the return of lunchtime flights between Donegal and Dublin.
Minister Darragh O’Brien says the Government-funded air service will be modified from May 1st to restore the popular midday service.
The schedule had been changed at the end of March, prompting concerns from passengers and local groups, including Donegal Cancer Flights & Services.
The revised timetable will also see the aircraft once again based overnight at Donegal Airport.
Minister O’Brien says the service is vital for regional connectivity and for people travelling for medical appointments, as well as those making onward international connections through Dublin.
Flights under the new schedule are expected to be available to book later today.
Statement in full:
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien today announced that the contract for the Government funded air service between Donegal and Dublin has been modified to reinstate the lunchtime services, which had been replaced with alternative timings since 29 March.
The Minister listened to the concerns raised by passengers and stakeholders including Donegal Airport and Donegal Cancer Flights & Services. These included changes to the flight schedule and the overnight positioning of the aircraft in Donegal. The Minister gave a commitment that an effective service would be provided at times that work for all those availing of it in Donegal.
Announcing the reinstatement of lunchtime services, Minister O’Brien said:
“The Programme for Government acknowledges that, as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, it is essential for Ireland to have good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world. This connectivity is vital to supporting economic growth as well as local communities.
I have been fully committed to offering a lunchtime service between Donegal and Dublin to ensure that an effective service is provided at times that work for all those availing of the service, including critical care patients.
My Department has actively engaged with Emerald Airlines in agreeing terms for the reinstatement of the previous schedule including the aircraft overnighting in Donegal Airport. I also want to thank Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister Charlie McConalogue, and Senator Manus Boyle for their work in representing the needs of the community in relation to the reinstatement of the flights.
I would like to thank Emerald Airlines for their constructive engagement in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion today and wish them continued success in operating this important route. Passenger numbers grew year on year under the previous contract, reaching 23% above peak levels achieved under the previous contract, which is a significant achievement.”
In addition to the early morning departure from Donegal and late evening return from Dublin Airport facilitating same day return travel for passengers travelling from Donegal and onward international connectivity from Dublin Airport, the modified flight schedule which will commence on 1 May will facilitate the reinstatement of the lunchtime service between Donegal and Dublin airports and overnight positioning of the aircraft in Donegal.
Flights under the new schedule are expected to be available for booking online through www.aerlingus.com later today.
