by Louise Doyle
A CHARITY providing subsidised flights for more than 400 Donegal cancer patients to Dublin for treatment has welcomed the news that flights are to be completely exempt from a passenger cap, but is calling for further clarity.
Donegal Cancer Flights and Services offers reduced price flights for those travelling for treatment and works in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society, which provides volunteer drivers to bring Donegal patients to and from Dublin Airport to hospitals.
Since February 2022, Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights have been operated by Emerald Airlines on behalf of Aer Lingus Regional services.
The service saves people a lengthy drive to Dublin, and is vital for those who need to get to Dublin for medical reasons, including cancer treatment.
As first reported in the Donegal News, concerns emerged two weeks ago for the future of the service after the Aviation Authority confirmed plans to limit seat capacity at Dublin Airport to 25.2 million next summer.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that the public service obligation flights (PSO) including those provided by the Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, will be completely exempt from any potential passenger caps at Dublin Airport.
Mary Coyle organises the flights from Donegal and other services for patients from Ionad Naomh Pádraig, a community centre in Dobhar.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Ms Coyle said the development was a “relief”, but questions remained.
“It is a great relief and it was very clear when it was spoken about in the Dáil that PSO would be completely exempt from a passenger cap, and that comes from a directive in the EU but I don’t think it is exactly finished.
“We welcome it, but what we need to know is who is going to do this? We need to be ensured that the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
“We have been liasing with Pat the Cope and Pearse Doherty and we listened to the debate on Thursday. We welcome that this can be done but we can’t afford to take the pressure off because one week will lead into another.”
Ms Coyle said she would like to send a delegation, including Donegal Ministers to meet with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State at the Department of Transport James Lawless TD.
“We need to be sure this is not a political stunt. We want to send a delegation to meet with Minister Ryan and James Lawless, and we would like all of the deputies from Donegal to be present.
“They (politicians) are dealing with a process and paperwork but we’re dealing with people, people who are ill and who need to be reassured that once we get into January that this does not raise its head again. We greatly appreciated all the work that Pat the Cope and Pearse Doherty has done, but we also need to be see it through and know when it will take effect.”
Fianna Fáil General Election candidate, Pat the Cope Gallaghe said the confirmation by Minister Lawless will be a relief to those that depend on the airport for work, students or health services access in Dublin.
“Flights between Donegal and Dublin are critical for many accessing health appointments, and this point was made very forcibly by me. The possible impact of any restrictions on Donegal Airport would also severely impact tourism in the region.”
“Emerald Airlines had a three-year contract and has been granted an extension of a year and this does not expire until February 2026. It provides for a twice daily two way air service form Donegal to Dublin with the Red Eye service leaving Donegal each morning. It also provides for further onward international connectivity through Dublin Airport.”
Deputy Pearse Doherty said he is glad “common sense prevailed”, having raised the issue with the Tánaiste in the Dáil.
“I have now asked the Minister for Transport directly to provide further confirmation that Donegal – Dublin flights will be excluded from plans for passenger caps at Dublin airport.”
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