COUNTRY music star Daniel O’Donnell has backed a petition launched in response to timetable changes on the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal and Dublin airports is gaining momentum.
The petition was created by Mary Coyle, the manager of Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, who provide subsidised flights for hundreds of cancer patients across Donegal.
Ms Coyle fears changes could make same-day medical travel impossible, causing overnight stays, extra costs, and added strain for patients.
Taking to social media, Daniel O’Donnell urged his fans to support the petition.
“The Donegal flight, which I use so often, is a vital service for cancer patients in the North West travelling to Dublin for treatment,” he said.
“The Public Service Obligation contract is due for renewal on February 25 and there are growing fears proposed timetable changes could see the afternoon return flight cut.
“Proposed timetable changes risk making same-day medical travel impractical, forcing patients into overnight stays, extra cost, and unnecessary strain.
“If you’d like to join so many others and sign this petition here’s the link: https://tinyurl.com/22jwmv32”
Meanwhile, Donegal TD Pearse Doherty raised the issue with Tánaiste Simon Harris yesterday.
“Tánaiste, the new contract about to be signed by your government for PSO flights from Donegal to Dublin will mean a loss of the afternoon flights,” Deputy Doherty began.
“This is a public service obligation.
“It is supposed to serve the public but it is not.
“We know that the people of Donegal are rightly outraged at the new proposed contract.
“Flights from Donegal at 8.30 in the evening and coming back from Dublin at 6.30 in the morning is ludicrous.
“Nobody is demanding that. It won’t work. You will have ghost flights. This is a €17m contract.”
Deputy Doherty said the midday service has worked for decades.
“It is why nearly 10,000 people have signed a petition in 48 hours – a petition led by a charity who provide support for over 500 people who depend on this flight to get their treatment in Dublin because we live a nine-hour return journey,” he continued.
“There are many patients, I’ve spoken to them myself, who, if it wasn’t for this flight, would not be able to avail of their cancer treatment.
“They can’t even book flights now for after the 26th of this month because there is no contract in place.
“It is not a luxury. This route is a lifeline.
“I am asking you to commit that you will not enter into this contract until the midday service is secure.”
In response, the Tánaiste said that he understands the concerns and will get Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to respond to Deputy Doherty.
