Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton has confirmed that negotiations have opened up with a ‘preferred bidder’ willing to take on the flight route.

The boost comes less than a month after the collapse of Stobart Air which resulted in an immediate cessation of Government funded Public Service Obligations (PSO) on routes between the capital and Donegal and Kerry.

“I am delighted to confirm that my Department has commenced contract negotiations with the preferred bidder to operate a public service obligation on the Donegal route,” Minister Naughton said.