by Louise Doyle
A DONEGAL TD has called on the Tánaiste to ‘urgently intervene’ to ensure the Donegal to Dublin cancer flight is not subject to the passenger cap at the capital’s airport.
On Thursday, the Donegal News revealed the fears of Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, a charity which provides subsidised flights for 430 patients to Dublin for treatment, after it emerged that the Irish Aviation Authority confirmed plans to limit seat capacity at Dublin Airport.
Mary Coyle organises the flights from Donegal to Dublin and other services for patients from Ionad Naomh Pádraig, a community centre in Dobhar in the heart of the Gaeltact.
“This is of real concern because our service is an essential service to so many patients in the county. The flights are used by up to 430 cancer and other patients.
“The flights are also used by children with lifelong illnesses who have to travel up and down to Dublin, as well as dialysis patients and those who wouldn’t be able to attend appointments otherwise, as they would be too ill to travel by car or bus.
Flights depart from Carrickfinn Airport in Donegal twice daily and return from Donegal Airport twice each day.
Deputy Pearse Doherty is calling on Tánaiste Micheal Martin to intervene to ensure the vital flight is not subject to the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.
Deputy Doherty said the passenger cap should not be applied to the Donegal to Dublin flight.
It is currently the State’s only Public Service Obligation, and Deputy Doherty said that it is essential that the route is not put at risk by the passenger cap at Dublin airport.
“Donegal already suffers from a lack of connectivity as it is without access to the rail network and the A5 is yet to be upgraded. If we lose our air connectivity, business and tourism in the county will suffer.”
“There are currently 430 cancer patients who rely on the flight to get down to Dublin for treatment. These patients are supported by a local charity Ionad Naomh Pádraig, who provide return flights for patients and their carers. Many of these people simply cannot make the long journey to Dublin by car.”
Deputy Doherty has vowed to keep this matter on his radar.
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