A CHARITY that provides subsidised flights for cancer patients, children with life threatening illnesses, and people receiving kidney dialysis treatment has said the cancellation of the Donegal to Dublin flight service is ‘absolutely devastating news’.
Mary Coyle, who runs Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, told the Donegal News yesterday that they had eight people booked to travel to Dublin this week for treatment or diagnosis. She has called on Donegal politicians to pull together to find a solution to get the vital service resumed.
“It came as a big shock. We already had eight patients and family members who were due to fly from Monday onwards. Now we are getting in touch with them to make alternative arrangements to get to Dublin for their treatment or diagnosis,” she said.
“We have over 200 people on our books that fly up and down whether that’s for check-ups, diagnosis or treatment. It is very difficult for patients to have to go by bus or ask a family member to drive. It is a five hour journey and there is huge financial worry as well. It’s not just cancer patients, children use the flight that have life threatening illnesses and people travel up and down for kidney dialysis. It is time for our politicians to pull together and fight for Donegal because it seems to be one thing after another.”
Róise Ni Mhaonaigh from Gaoth Dobhair knows first hand the importance of this service. She travelled from Donegal Airport twice weekly at the start of her mother’s cancer treatment.
“The flight has been a lifeline. Without that service she wouldn’t have been able to receive the treatment in Dublin because of the long journey. The bus can take six hours and if you have one appointment then it could be a 12 hour trip. It leaves us in a place now where we just don’t know what we will do,” she said.
Róise praised the staff at Donegal Airport who made the difficult process that little bit easier.
“They provide such a fantastic wheelchair service. For cancer patients some appointments can be very scary and everyone working at the airport is so lovely. To think that service won’t be there, I don’t know what we would have done without it.”
Róise moved back to Gaoth Dobhair during the pandemic when her mother got sick. The flight has also been a lifeline in terms of work.
“Without the infrastructure it is making it very hard for people to settle here. I have been able to work remotely and I could use the flight if I had to go into the office. Dublin isn’t accessible now.”
Chair of Donegal Action for Cancer Care, Betty Holmes said the cancellation of the flight will cause additional stress for cancer patients.
“The loss of this service has a major impact on Donegal cancer patients and leaves cancer patients who are scheduled for appointments and treatment now asking how will they get to Dublin,” she said. “We need to see our Donegal Minister and TDs fighting hard to make sure this service is resumed.”
Following the announcement that Stobart Air ceased trading on Saturday resulting in the cancellation of the Government-funded PSO routes, Donegal TD Joe McHugh contacted Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar as well as Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton. He said they will look at the potential for an accelerated process to get a replacement carrier for the Donegal to Dublin route to cover between now and Christmas.
“The five year contract was up at the end of the year so we need to fill the gap between now and the end of the year,” said Deputy McHugh.
He emphasised to his party colleagues the importance of securing a replacement carrier as soon as possible and that a long drawn out process would not be accepted.
“This route has been up and going for so long now and it is important for connectivity not just for west Donegal but for the whole region,” he added.
Pearse Doherty also contacted Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan calling on the government to intervene and ensure that the flight is restored as a matter of urgency.
“I look at the role that the Donegal to Dublin route has in my own constituency and it’s not hard to see why our community needs the services that this route provides. The daily flights from Donegal to Dublin not only open up the northwest to tourism, but they also serve cancer patients who have to travel to Dublin for treatment. Many students, workers and businesses depend on the route as well. The 40-minute flight makes that journey much easier than the 4 or 5 hours it takes to travel by road, each way,” said Deputy Doherty.
“The northwest is not connected to Dublin or the rest of Ireland by motorway, dual carriageway or rail. For those who live in Donegal and travel to work or study in Dublin, the regional airport makes this possible.”
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Rena Donaghey said her thoughts were with the staff of Stobart who are now facing redundancy on the back of this decision.
“The Council has been in contact with the management of Donegal Airport and understands that work on identifying options to have a replacement carrier for the Dublin route is a priority for the Department of Transport and that the Airport will work closely with them on this in the coming days,” said Cllr Donaghey.
“The Council will continue to support and work with the Airport to ensure that it retains its place as the preferred airport of choice for people travelling to Glasgow as well as using Dublin for both final destination and through travel to other international areas served from there.”
Donegal Airport advised passengers that Aer Lingus will contact those affected directly and that they should check the Aer Lingus website for updated information.
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