A CAMPAIGNER for the reinstatement of the afternoon flight service from Donegal to Dublin, relied on by patients, has described its return “a significant day for Donegal”.
Mary Coyle is from Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, which helps organise flights for cancer patients.
Concerns emerged in January about possible plans to change the scheduled public service obligation (PSO) flights between Donegal and Dublin.
Fears came to fruition when the afternoon flight rotation and the overnighting of the aircraft at Carrickfinn Airport ceased last month.
A relentless campaign was instigated by Donegal Cancer Flights and Services and other service users. They travelled to Dublin to handover to the Department of Transport a petition of 20,000 signatures, calling on the government to strongly reconsider its decision on the afternoon flight.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien this week confirmed that full services are to be restored within four weeks, effective from May 1.
Ms Coyle paid tribute to cancer patients and their families who bravely told their stories as part of the campaign.
“We are absolutely delighted, this is a significant day for Donegal. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to every single person who stood with us throughout this campaign, to the cancer patients and families who shared their stories with courage and dignity.
“To the wider community, everyone who signed the petition, travelled to Dublin, staff and management of Donegal Airport, our public representatives, across all political parties who raised this issue consistently and supported our campaign.
“Thank you to the pupils of Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair and the Cancer Support Centres.throughout Ireland for their remarkable contributions. This amazing result belongs to everyone.”
Ms Doherty added the campaign “showed Donegal at its very best: resilience, unity, dignity and determination”.
She said while the day was one for celebration,Ms Doherty also stressed it was also a reminder that ordinary people can achieve real change when they stand firmly together for a just cause.
Under the restored schedule, the aircraft will once again be based overnight at Carrickfinn, facilitating an early morning departure from Donegal at 7.55am returning at 12.55pm. The afternoon flight will depart Donegal at 2.30pm returning from Dubin at 6.55pm.
Passengers who have booked flights on the early morning departure from Dublin (6.30am) or the late evening departure from Carrickfinn (8.30pm) after May 1 will be accommodated by Emerald AirlinesAer Lingus.
“The Minister remained in regular contact with me throughout this process, and I welcome his commitment to restore the timetable that has served the people of Donegal well for decades,” said Pat the Cope Gallagher TD.
APPRECIATION
Deputy Gallagher also expressed his appreciation to all those who raised and championed the issue at local and national level, acknowledging the management of Donegal Airport, Majella O’Donnell for bringing national attention to the matter on the Late Late Show, and the Donegal Cancer Flights and Services Group for their tireless and compassionate campaign.
He added that restoring the familiar and proven timetable is critical for those who rely on same-day access to Dublin for medical appointments, specialist care, work commitments, education, and onward connectivity, and that this decision represents a vital step in safeguarding regional accessibility and supporting communities across Donegal.
Chairman of Donegal Airport, Garry Martin paid tribute to the “groundswell of support” since the issue came to light.
“We recognise that it has been a difficult period, with uncertainty for both our staff and all airport users, and we are relieved that the flights are finally being restored to what we believe are the optimum times to meet the needs of the travelling public.”
Mr Martin paid thanks to Donegal Deputies Pat the Cope Gallagher and Pearse Doherty, as well as all public service representatives for their help. He praised Donegal Cancer Flights and Services for working “tirelessly” in highlighting the impacts of the revised timetable on their users.
Announcing the reinstatement of lunchtime services, Minister O’Brien said: “The Programme for Government acknowledges that, as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, it is essential for Ireland to have good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world. This connectivity is vital to supporting economic growth as well as local communities.”
He thanked Emerald Airlines for their “constructive engagement in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion”.