A public procurement process is currently underway to secure a contract for the Government funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal and Dublin airports, with the current contract due to expire at the end of next month.
The PSO contract, which provides twice daily two-way air services, is an essential air link between the North West and Dublin in the absence of a motorway or rail network in the region.
The service is a life line for many people, particularly those who rely on it to travel to the capital for healthcare treatment. This essential service is provided by Donegal Cancer Flights and Services who provide subsidised flights for hundreds of cancer patients across Donegal.
In February 2022 it was announced by the Minister for Transport that Emerald Airlines were awarded the contract, taking over from Amapola Flyg AB, who have provided the twice daily service under an interim contract from July 2021.
The contract with Emerald Airlines was due to expire in February last year, however at the end of 2024 it was announced that it would operate for an additional one-year period up until February 25, 2026
Following a query submitted by the Donegal News, the Department of Transport has confirmed that they have a public procurement process is currently underway ahead of the current contract expiring next month.
“To ensure continuity of services beyond this date, the Department of Transport has conducted a public procurement process, in line with the requirements of EU Regulation 10082008 and this process is ongoing, with the government committed to ensuring continued air services on this route,” a spokesperson for the Department of Transport said.
“EU Regulation 10082008 allows Governments to provide Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services to airports serving peripheral or less-developed regions.”
“This Exchequer-funded service facilitates same-day return trips from Donegal and further international connectivity from Dublin Airport.
“As well as marking Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region, these services also support growth of the economy and tourism in the region,” the spokesperson said.
