AER Arann may pull its Derry to Dublin air route after the Government today confirmed it will not subsidise the route from June.
Donegal North East Sinn Féin Deputy, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has angrily responded to news that the FG/ Labour Government will not return the Public Service Obligation (PSO) subsidy for the Derry to Dublin air-link.
In response to Deputy Mac Lochlainn’s parliamentary question, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport,Leo Varadkar, confirmed that he and his Government will not reverse the decision of the previous Government to cut the route.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “The decision of the previous Government to remove the PSO subsidy for the Derry to Dublin air-link was shocking. This subsidy is very important to make the route sustainable. Their defence of the cut that rail and road infrastructure connecting the two cities and regions is at the required standard was beyond belief.
“There is no rail link connecting Dublin to Derry and North Donegal and the A5 dual carriageway will not be constructed till 2015. To compare Derry to Galway in terms of links to Dublin is mind boggling. There is both a railway and motorway connecting these two cities”.
“I had hoped for a new approach from this Government to the needs of North Donegal and the North West. The response from Minister Varadkar appears to herald more of the same. I will continue to challenge this unjust and illogical decision. I invite local FG and Labour TDs and councillors to join me in that effort.”
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