The Government has agreed to continue the Public Service Obligation (PSO) subsidy for Donegal Airport, according to local Senator Brian Ó’Domhnaill, but the Derry-Dublin route could now be axed.
The Senator has secured assurances about the future of the PSO from the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey.
“Following extensive campaigning on this issue, I have now been assured by the Minister that this important State support for Donegal Airport will continue,” explained Senator Ó’Domhnaill.
“I held in-depth discussions with Noel Dempsey about how vital the PSO is to the future of Donegal Airport. I also explained that this transport link is a crucial part to the economic sustainability of the entire region.
“The Minister understood this, and I welcome his commitment to securing the PSO subsidy here, despite the current financial restraints.
“This is great news for Donegal which is in need of continued support to secure the growth and development of our region. The PSO has been removed from a number of other regional airports due to improvements in alternate methods of transport.
“While the infrastructure continues to be developed here, our local airport needs as much backing as it can get. The Government clearly recognises this,” concluded Senator Ó’Domhnaill.
Minister Dempsey said: “Having considered the conclusions and recommendations of the review, the Government has agreed to support the continuation of a PSO route between Donegal and Dublin and between Kerry and Dublin.
“In line with the review, the Government has also agreed to cease requiring PSO routes between Dublin and Sligo, Knock, Galway and Derry from July 2011, recognising, inter alia, the improvements in alternative transport modes which have taken place.”
