AN extra plane route to the capital for Donegal fliers is set to take off again following high-level talks.
Officials hope the sky’s the limit and estimate that the air link could mean Dublin-in-a-dash flights are ready in time for the 2027 St Patrick’s celebrations.
The flight route from City of Derry Airport – which closed in 2011 – is to soar again as a subsidised Public Service Obligation (PSO) route for an initial period of up to four years.
Tender documents have been published in recent days by the Department of Transport with airline operators now free to bid for the contract.
Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue was involved in the negotiations.
He said: “This is excellent news for Donegal and the North West.
“Backed by €2 million from the Government’s Shared Island Fund, this vital air link is moving closer to reality.
“Once the tendering process concludes and a carrier is appointed, I look forward to seeing flights take off as soon as possible on completion of the tender process.”
He added: “The loss of the Dublin route in 2011 was a massive blow to the region.
“Bringing it back will boost our cross-border economy and restore essential connectivity between the North West and Dublin.”
In the meeting with Minister of State McConalogue were (pictured) Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, Donegal County Council chief John McLaughlin, Derry City council chief John Kelpie, plus a City of Derry Airport delegation, including its chairman Albert Harrison, his deputy Paul Byrne, and airport directors Seamus Neely and Steve Frazer.
High-level talks involving Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue look set to restore a vital air link to Dublin.
Minister McConalogue said: “I welcome the commitment from the Department of Transport that flights will be in the air no later than March 28 next year.
“The twice daily service will allow commuters carry out a day’s work or to spend a day in Dublin and return that evening.”
“Restoring this connection has been a top political priority for me.
“I have been working closely with the Minister for Transport, his officials, and City of Derry Airport management to get this over the line.”
Figures from the UK Civil Aviation Authority show that travel from Donegal contributes to 40 per cent of City of Derry Airport’s passengers.
Around 22,000 Donegal residents used the airport in the first quarter of this year and that more than doubled to 48,060 across the first half of the year.
In the 12 months to August past, some 98,325 Donegal passengers travelled through the airport.
Donegal Airport also operates flights to Dublin with Aer Lingus.
