Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has called for flights from Donegal to not count towards the Dublin Airport passenger cap.
Concerns have been raised that the passenger cap at Dublin could impact Donegal cancer patients who require flights to and from the capital for treatment.
“The passenger cap should not be applied to the Donegal to Dublin flight. It is currently the states only Public Service Obligation and it is essential that the route is not put at risk by the passenger cap at Dublin Airport,” Deputy Doherty said in the Dail today.
“Donegal already suffers from a lack of connectivity as it is without access to the rail network and the A5 is yet to be upgraded. If we lose our air connectivity, business and tourism in the county will suffer.”
“There are currently 430 cancer patients who rely on the flight to get down to Dublin for treatment. These patients are supported by a local charity Ionad Naomh Pádraig, who provide return flights for patients and their carers. Many of these people simply cannot make the long journey to Dublin by car.”
“Today I called on the Tánaiste’s to intervene so that this PSO is not threatened by the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. I will continue to follow up on this matter to ensure this vital service is maintained.”
