LARGE crowds are expected to take part in a protest outside Donegal Airport tomorrow in response to proposed timetable changes to the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal and Dublin airports.
Since the news emerged earlier this week, it has been met with uproar from the West Donegal community.
A petition was created by Mary Coyle, the manager of Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, a local charity 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.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s protest, which begins at 2pm outside the gates of Donegal Airport, Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig expressed concern about the potential timetable changes.
“The Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government are forcing a time change to our scheduled flights ó An Ghaeltacht i nDún na nGall, all in the interests of the private company Emerald Airlines,” Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said.
“I believe that this is a very clear indication of the contempt that Fianna Fáil agus Fine Gael have towards our community, An Ghaeltacht.
“These flight times are best suited to the community that the PSO is here to serve, we travel to go to work, we travel to go back to the countries we had to emigrate to, we travel for business, we travel for healthcare and for cancer treatment.”
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said Donegal Airport is the beating heart of the local community.
“The airport community gives so much and that is clearly evident to anyone who uses the service,” he said.
“The contempt of this government towards us is unacceptable and shall be and is being challenged.”
