The Department of Transport has confirmed its intention to award the Donegal Airport Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract to Stobard Air for flights to Dublin for the next four years.
The contract is to be awarded by the Department with the contract starting on the 1st of February 2018 and running until 31st January 2022.
However, the Glasgow flights from Donegal Airport are in jeopardy as Stobard Air expresses doubt regarding their future intentions for the flights to Glasgow.
Donegal Airport has grown steadily over the last number of years and is now an integral part of the infrastructure of Donegal – providing efficient, reliable and affordable connectivity to Dublin and Glasgow by air.
Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has expressed his concern over the uncertainty of the Glasgow routes.
“Stobard Air has being serving the airport in a very effective manner over the last number of years – delivering on commitments to their passengers and to the region. The loss of the Glasgow flights would be a severe blow to the airport and the entire county.
“I will be seeking a meeting with Stobard Air at the earliest possible convenience in order to make the case for the retention of the flight to Glasgow. It is critical for the future growth and expansion of the airport that these flights be retained,” stated Pat the Cope.
Pat the Cope added, the final sanctioning of the new contract for the Donegal Airport PSO will take place in early January by the Minister, after the required period for contract renewal expires.
“I have worked extremely close with Donegal Airport since its inception and today is another important step in that development and further expansion, the air services provided by Stobard Air are playing an important part in the ordinary day lives of so many at present – be that, business orientated, tourism related, to access medical appointments or for recreational purposes, these flights form an essential part of everyday life for Donegal passengers wishing to access other locations or connecting flights to elsewhere.
“I have worked closely with the Department on this matter for the past number of months and moreover have been making the case for increased investment in the airport since my re-election to the Dáil, Donegal Airport has been the engine for regional growth for the past number of years and is a major catalyst for growth in Donegal at present.”
The West Donegal TD said it is essential moving forward over the next four years of this contract that the level of services and the connectivity to both Dublin and Glasgow are maintained and with additional marketing it is reasonable to allow for further growth in numbers over the next number of years at the airport.
“The potential loss of the Glasgow flights to the airport will seriously undermine the financial viability of the airport; in additional it removes an important link with Scotland and west Donegal. I am calling on the Government to recognise the further and future growth potential of regional airports and such a case in point is Donegal Airport at present and to provide additional investment for airports such as Donegal Airport in the next five year capital plan.
“Other state agencies such as Fáilte Ireland, IDA, Udaras na Gaeltachta, etc. must also recognise the future growth potential of regional airports. The services for local people wishing to access medical appointments in Dublin must be maintained at all costs and in that regard sensible timetabling must be guaranteed over the next period of the PSO.
“I wish to compliment the staff and management of the airport for their hard work and dedication to Donegal Airport through the years and the passenger numbers continue to grow. Regional air travel and connectivity of the regions has been extremely successful in Ireland and Donegal Airport has been a beacon for growth and efficient use of state investment, this must continue and allow even further expansion in the years ahead but, in order to secure that growth both Government and other state agencies must work as one to maximise the real potential for Donegal Airport. I am determined that a case be made at the highest level for the retention of the Glasgow flights to Donegal Airport as a great deal depends on it,” added Pat the Cope.
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