The new contract for Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights from Donegal to Dublin is due to take effect at the end of February, however it has been revealed that the flight times will change and the afternoon flight will be lost entirely.
The PSO contract is an essential air link between the North West and Dublin in the absence of a motorway or rail network in the region.
Donegal TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Finance Pearse Doherty have called for an urgent meeting with the Minister for Transport to discuss the changes.
Deputy Doherty also has serious concerns over the fact that the new contract will mean that the plane must travel up from Dublin each morning increasing the likelihood of cancelled flights.
“It is absolutely scandalous that government didn’t insist on morning, afternoon and evening flights being included in any future contract for PSO flights.
“Now, morning flights will be later and evening flights will be later and there will be no afternoon flights at all. This makes it much more likely that people will be forced into having to stay overnight when flying to Dublin and unable to come back the same day,” Deputy Doherty said.
“People in Donegal, including cancer patients, depend on these PSO flights.
“The existing flight schedule works because it allows people to travel to Dublin, attend work or appointments, and return home the same day. That is not a luxury, it is a necessity for people in my community.
“Cancer patients in Donegal also depend on these PSO flights to access treatment in Dublin. These changes to the current service will have devastating consequences for patients who are already under enormous physical and emotional strain.
“Patient need, not cost cutting, should have been the guiding principle in the contract negotiations.
“Donegal already faces disproportionate barriers when it comes to accessing our capital and specialist healthcare. The PSO flights are an attempt to level that playing field somewhat, and they must be protected in full.
“Furthermore, ensuring that the plane is already located in Donegal for the morning flights should have been a contract requirement. Having the plane come up from Dublin every morning significantly increases the likelihood of flight cancellations.
“I have written to the Minister demanding an urgent meeting to discuss this situation.
“The Government must understand this clearly: messing with these flights is not an option. The people of Donegal deserve certainty and cancer patients deserve dignity, compassion and support.”
